Carbon-ion therapy

What it is

Carbon-ion therapy accelerates carbon ions and directs them at the tumour. The particles stop at a set depth and release most of their energy there (the Bragg peak); matching that depth to the tumour spares the tissue in front of and behind it.

Carbon ions are heavier than protons and break cancer-cell DNA more decisively, so they are used for cancers that respond poorly to conventional radiation.

Who it suits

It is intended for solid tumours that stay in one place: prostate cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, selected lung cancers, pancreatic cancer, and bone or soft-tissue sarcoma. It is not a standard treatment for cancer that has spread to several organs, for stomach or colorectal cancer growing along the bowel wall, or for blood cancers.

Eligibility depends on your stage, the tumour's location and any previous treatment. The remote-review opinion gives one of three answers: eligible, needs further assessment, or not applicable.

How it proceeds

After you arrive, CT and MRI simulation are used to build the treatment plan and an immobilisation mould. Planning takes one to two weeks; the treatment itself is 4–16 sessions of a few minutes each.

Treatment is outpatient, so you travel in from nearby accommodation each day. An interpreter and coordinator go with you, and the concierge handles transport, meals and family schedules.

Duration and recovery

Irradiation itself is painless; fatigue or skin changes over the treated area can occur. Most patients can fly home within days of the last session, and the response is assessed by imaging over the following months.

Follow-up continues remotely once you are home, with a multilingual treatment summary for your local physicians.

Cost

Carbon-ion therapy is not covered by Korean national insurance; figures reported in the press are around KRW 60–75 million. The actual amount is confirmed by the hospital's quote, based on cancer type, number of sessions and tests.

Our estimate itemises tests, treatment, interpreting, accommodation and transport. If you go ahead with treatment after a remote review, the review fee is credited against the hospital bill.

In Korea

Korea's first carbon-ion centre began treating patients in 2023, and further centres are due from 2027. Treatment is given at a tertiary hospital with an international clinic and multilingual staff.

Hospital names and results are not listed on this page. The opinion and estimate compare three hospitals for you.

Frequently asked questions

How does it differ from proton therapy?

Both are particle therapies. Protons are lighter and better at sparing healthy tissue, so they are common for childhood and head-and-neck cancers; carbon ions are heavier and used for radiation-resistant tumours. The opinion states which applies to your stage and tumour location.

How many hospital visits are needed?

4–16 sessions depending on the cancer, at 4–5 visits a week. Including planning, allow a 3–4 week stay.

I have already had other treatment. Is it still possible?

That depends on the site and dose of any previous radiation. Upload your records and the physicians will answer at the review stage.

When is the cost fixed?

After the remote review, by the hospital's quote. The estimate is itemised, and the review fee is credited against your bill when you go ahead with treatment.

Statistics on this page are official national statistics, not the results of any particular hospital. Outcomes differ by stage and by individual health. Discuss diagnosis and treatment decisions with your physicians.