In September 2025, a new treatment building was completed at the Proton Beam Therapy Center, enabling even more precise treatment using the spot scanning irradiation method.

Proton beam therapy at our hospital has the longest history in Japan. Since initiating the world’s first clinical research using a vertical beam in 1983, we have treated more than 8,700 patients, including pediatric cancer patients.

In particular, for cancers that occur deep within the body, such as liver cancer, our hospital was among the first in the world to apply proton beam therapy. Today, this treatment method is highly regarded worldwide and recognized as a standard therapy.

Proton beam therapy is a patient-friendly treatment that delivers radiation precisely to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

It carries a lower risk of affecting growth in children and young patients and is also effective in reducing the risk of secondary cancers in the future.

In September 2025, our hospital introduced the Spot Scanning Irradiation Method, which enables even more precise radiation delivery. This technology allows highly accurate treatment even for tumors with complex shapes, improving both the safety and effectiveness of treatment.

We will continue striving to provide more effective proton beam therapy while placing great importance on the quality of life (QOL) of our patients, through ongoing clinical practice and research.

Providing Medical Institution

University of Tsukuba Hospital

〒305-8576
2－1－1, Amakubo, Tsukuba city

https://www.hosp.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/

Specialty

Proton Beam Therapy for Various Cancers and Tumors
https://www.pmrc.tsukuba.ac.jp/overseas/index.html

Eligibility Criteria/Exclusions for Treatment

Patients can be accepted if their general physical condition is good, they are able to travel to Japan, and a life expectancy of at least one year is expected. For further details regarding specific diseases and treatment indications, please refer to our hospital’s website: https://www.pmrc.tsukuba.ac.jp/overseas/index.html

Remarks

[Program Introduction Video] Proton Beam Therapy Center Introduction Video URL: https://www.pmrc.tsukuba.ac.jp/information/vtr.html [Treatment Schedule] 1. Initial Consultation During the first visit, the final determination of treatment eligibility will be made based on the results of blood tests and MRI examinations. 2. Preparation Period Preparation includes creating immobilization devices, CT scanning for treatment planning, developing the treatment plan, and verification with the irradiation equipment. This preparation period usually takes about two weeks. 3. Treatment Orientation At the orientation on the first day of treatment, the detailed treatment schedule will be explained. The number of irradiation sessions varies depending on the type of disease and treatment site, and typically ranges from 10 to 56 sessions.

Precautions / Contraindications

Please contact our hospital through a medical coordination company (a guarantor organization for medical visas) when seeking medical care.

For appointments, examinations, procedures, and surgeries, a medical interpreter from the guarantor organization must accompany the patient at the times specified by the hospital.

Violence, abusive language, and threatening behavior are strictly prohibited. Please understand that if harassment or inappropriate behavior damages the trust between the patient and the hospital, the hospital may refuse to provide medical services.

Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited within the hospital premises. Bringing hazardous materials, removing hospital equipment, and taking photos, recording audio, or posting content on social media within the hospital are also prohibited.