Heavy Ion Therapy in China: A 2026 Guide to Cost & Treatment
- MedBridge NZ
- Oct 19
- 5 min read
China has rapidly emerged as a global leader in precision cancer treatment, driven by significant national investment and breakthroughs in domestic technology. By 2026, heavy ion therapy (HIT)—a highly advanced form of radiotherapy—is becoming increasingly accessible, offering international patients competitive costs, high treatment volumes, and exceptional clinical outcomes.
This guide outlines everything international patients need to know about accessing heavy ion therapy in China in 2026. Navigating this process can be complex, which is where a Medical Concierge provider can simplify the journey from consultation to post-treatment care. We cover clinical efficacy, treatment centers, cost factors, and future advancements.
What is Heavy Ion Therapy? The Clinical Advantage
Heavy ion radiotherapy is internationally recognized as one of the most advanced radiotherapy methods available for treating malignant solid tumors. The therapy typically utilizes carbon ions (heavy ions heavier than helium) delivered via specialized accelerators.
The unique clinical advantages of HIT stem from its physical and biological characteristics:
Precision and Dose Delivery
Heavy ion beams are characterized by a unique depth-dose distribution, peaking sharply at a discrete penetration depth known as the Bragg Peak. This means the majority of the beam's energy is deposited directly into the tumor, while the beam passes through healthy surrounding tissue with minimal damage.
Enhanced Cancer-Cell-Killing Power
The relative biological effect (RBE) of heavy ions is approximately three times higher than that of conventional photon beams (X-rays or gamma rays). This increased "killing power" results in a higher probability of DNA double-strand breakage in cancer cells, better preventing cell residue and recurrence.
Optimal for Complex Tumors
Heavy ion therapy is particularly suitable for solid tumors that are difficult to treat surgically, are insensitive to conventional radiation, or are prone to recurrence. Clinical trials have shown effective control of tumors located in the head, neck, chest, stomach, and pelvic cavity. Institutions like the Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center (SPHIC) have expanded indications to treat over 40 types of cancer, including lung, liver, prostate, pancreatic, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and gliomas.
China's Growing Capacity in Heavy Ion Therapy (2026)
China is the fourth country globally (following the United States, Germany, and Japan) to achieve the independent ability to develop and apply heavy ion therapy systems. This commitment to indigenous technology (such as the Heavy Ion Medical Machine, HIMM) has resulted in facilities with competitive operation and maintenance costs compared to imported equipment.
The country's expansive policy goals, outlined in the "14th Five-Year Plan" (which covers up to 2025), fueled significant expansion in particle therapy facilities. The plan allocated 60 heavy ion and proton system licenses nationally, with 41 planned specifically during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.
As of January 1, 2025, mainland China had 10 officially operating proton and heavy ion centers. Additionally, as of December 2024, there were 19 heavy ion or combined projects either operational, under construction, or proposed across the country. The number of facilities is expected to reach 20 in the coming five years.
Top Heavy Ion Therapy Centers in China (2026)
Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center (SPHIC)
Located in Shanghai, SPHIC has been operational since 2014, offering both proton and carbon ion therapy. By April 2023, the center had treated around 5,400 patients, reaching high patient volumes faster than many older institutions globally.
Wuwei and Lanzhou, Gansu Province
The first home-made carbon ion therapy facility, the HIMM, was installed in Wuwei, Gansu Province, and commenced clinical treatment in March 2020. The heavy ion center in Lanzhou also started operation (or restart) in 2024.
Emerging Centers
New heavy ion projects have been constructed or are being constructed in cities like Putian, Wuhan, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. The Zhejiang Cancer Hospital Ion Medical Center in Hangzhou, for instance, was projected to start treating patients with carbon ions in 2025.
The International Patient Experience in China
Chinese heavy ion centers are experienced in treating patients from outside the mainland. SPHIC has provided medical services to patients from both across the country and overseas countries or regions, including the US, UK, France, South Korea, and Singapore. As specialists in handling medical tourism in China, we can help coordinate your remote consultation, visa, and travel logistics with these world-class centers.
Clinical Outcomes
The efficacy of heavy ion and proton radiotherapy generally results in higher survival rates and substantially lower rates of side effects compared to traditional photon radiotherapy. For example, SPHIC reported that patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with heavy ion therapy have substantially outperformed conventional photon radiotherapy in efficacy and side effect control.
Patient Comfort
Patients typically lie on the treatment bed and experience minimal discomfort during the process, often resuming normal life soon after discharge.
Heavy Ion Therapy Cost in China & Accessibility
While the cost of heavy ion therapy is significant, China has maintained controlled pricing at its leading centers and benefits from lower production costs for its domestically developed systems.
Treatment Cost
As reported in 2023, the total cost for heavy ion/proton treatment at SPHIC, including the flat rate for treatment (278,000 yuan) and costs for hospitalization, examinations, and nursing care, was approximately 310,000 yuan (equivalent to about $45,018 at the rate mentioned in the source). Notably, SPHIC had not increased this price since 2015.
Insurance
Heavy ion therapy costs are generally not covered by China's government-run medical insurance, but they may be eligible for reimbursement through several commercial medical insurance plans. International patients should verify coverage with their specific commercial or travel insurance providers. For a personalized cost assessment and assistance with coordinating hospital appointments, contact our medical concierge team.
The Future of Heavy Ion Therapy in China
China’s commitment to advancing particle therapy ensures continued improvements in accessibility and technology. Regulatory steps, such as the National Medical Products Administration’s (NMPA) approval of the registration of the Carbon Ion Therapy System in September 2024, facilitate rapid industry growth.
A primary focus for research and development is miniaturization, aiming to make the therapy more accessible and reduce its overall cost. Researchers are working to reduce the physical footprint of the heavy ion accelerator facility from 4,600 square meters to 1,500 square meters. Furthermore, a new generation system utilizing superconducting technology is under development, expected to provide a more compact structure, superior performance, and lower power consumption by 2027.
Scientists are also planning to upgrade future facilities by adopting cutting-edge information technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 5G, to enhance efficiency and treatment delivery. This continuous innovation underscores China’s intent to further cement its position in the high-end medical device market and better serve the global cancer patient population.
