Heavy Ion Centers in China

As of December 25, 2024, the WeChat public platform “Proton China” has summarized the progress of heavy ion radiotherapy projects in China based on publicly available online information.

According to publicly available online information, as of an incomplete statistical count, there are a total of 19 heavy ion (including combined proton and heavy ion) therapy projects in mainland China, including those in operation, under construction and proposed. Among them, 3 centers are currently operational, including the Gansu Wuwei Tumor Hospital, Lanzhou Campus (Lanzhou Heavy Ion Hospital), which announced the start of treatments in November 2024. Additionally, 12 projects are under construction, and 4 are in the planning stage. Compared to 2023, the number has increased significantly. In the Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan regions of China, there is one operational heavy ion therapy center—the Heavy Ion Cancer Therapy Center at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, which began treating patients on May 15, 2023.

The table below presents the distribution of 19 heavy ion therapy projects in mainland China. Based on project progress, they are categorized into operational, under construction, and proposed projects. Among them, projects that have commenced construction are classified as under construction, while those that have not yet started construction are considered proposed projects.

Distribution of the heavy ion centers in China each province and area on December 2024.

Authors:
Dr. YANG Jingfen, Dr. XING Ligang, Dr. ZHU Jian*

Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Jinan, P.R.China, 250117

Corresponding author: Dr. ZHU Jian, zhujian@sdfmu.edu.cn

Data Source: WeChat Public “Proton China”