© State of Queensland (Queensland Department of Health) 2017
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DISCLAIMER: This Brief is published with the intention of providing information of interest. It is
based on information available at the time of research and cannot be expected to cover any
developments arising from subsequent improvements to health technologies. This Brief is based on
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effectiveness of the health technology covered.
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This Brief was commissioned by Queensland Health, in its role as the Secretariat of the Health Policy
Advisory Committee on Technology (HealthPACT). The production of this Brief was overseen by
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This brief was prepared by Paul Hassed and Linda Mundy from the HealthPACT Secretariat.
Proton and Heavy Ion Therapy: An overview: January 2017
3
Summary
HealthPACT recommends that the following is noted:
1.
Conventional radiotherapy uses photon (x-ray) energy to damage or destroy cancerous cells.
Particle therapy is employed in a similar manner to conventional radiotherapy, however uses
particles (protons and heavy ions) instead of photons. Proton therapy is the most commonly
applied form of particle therapy in use around the world, however the use of carbon ions is
also growing internationally and being actively researched.
2.
Proton beam therapy benefits over conventional radiotherapy include improved dose
distribution to tumours, reduced radiation dose and damage to healthy tissue, and the ability
to more accurately target and treat tumours located close to vital structures.
3.
There is widespread international adoption and use of proton beam technology for the
treatment of a range of difficult to treat paediatric tumours, and tumours of the skull base,
head/neck and central nervous system, with considerable ongoing international research into
effectiveness against other malignancies.
4.
Although the use of carbon ion therapy has been described for radio-resistant tumours that
are otherwise untreatable with conventional radiotherapy, or proton therapy, the use of heavy
ions is still considered experimental, and further research is required into patient indications
where therapeutic advantages are demonstrated.
5.
Proton beam therapy is rapidly growing internationally, with 56 facilities in operation, 39
facilities under construction, and a further 18 facilities planned (as at January 2017). The
majority of these are located in the Unites States, Japan, China and Europe. There are currently
10 carbon ion or combined carbon ion/proton facilities established in Japan, Germany, Italy
and China, and four with additional facilities either under construction or planned in Austria,
China, South Korea and the United States.
6.
Publicly reported costs of building a proton facility range from approximately AU$34-260
million, depending on the scope of the facility, its planned service, and the number of
treatment rooms. In addition, these facilities are associated with significant annual operational
and maintenance costs.