Cancer treatment has evolved rapidly over the years, with advanced therapies which offer better outcomes, fewer side effects and require less recovery time. One such treatment option is proton therapy, a highly precise form of radiation therapy that targets cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
For cancer patients, finding the best and most advanced treatment options is crucial. Proton therapy, which was widely available in Western countries for years, is now accessible in India as well. This is a boon for patients especially from the South East Asian regions as India offers one of the best priced proton therapy packages for patients who are looking for this cutting-edge treatment. However, many patients are still unaware of its availability, associated costs and whether they are eligible for it.
This blog delves into proton therapy—where it's available, how much it costs, who can benefit from it, and what the future holds for this advanced cancer treatment.
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What is Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy is a cutting-edge form of radiation therapy that uses high-energy proton beams to treat cancer. Unlike conventional radiation treatments that use X-rays (photons), proton therapy allows for highly precise targeting of tumors, which helps to spare surrounding healthy tissues and organs from unnecessary radiation exposure.
Protons are positively charged particles that, when accelerated to high speeds, can penetrate the body and deposit their energy directly into the tumor. What makes proton therapy unique is a physical property known as the Bragg Peak. This phenomenon allows protons to release the majority of their energy at a specific depth in the tissue — corresponding to the location of the tumor — with minimal exit dose beyond the target. In contrast, X-rays continue to deposit energy as they pass through the body, potentially affecting healthy tissue both before and after the tumor site.
This level of precision makes proton therapy especially beneficial for treating cancers located near critical structures such as the brain, spinal cord, eyes, heart, or lungs. It is also well-suited for pediatric cancers, where protecting developing tissues is crucial.
Key Benefits of Proton Therapy:
- Precision targeting of tumors with reduced damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Lower risk of side effects and complications.
- Reduced risk of secondary cancers, especially in children.
- Higher doses of radiation can be delivered safely to tumors that are hard to treat with conventional methods
Conditions Commonly Treated with Proton Therapy:
- Brain tumors (e.g., gliomas, medulloblastomas)
- Spinal cord tumors
- Head and neck cancers
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Pediatric cancers
- Certain recurrent cancers
Proton therapy represents a major advancement in cancer treatment, offering new hope for patients who may not be candidates for traditional radiation or surgery. While access is still limited to specialized centers, its use is rapidly expanding as technology evolves and more clinical data supports its effectiveness.
How Proton Therapy Works?
Proton therapy is a highly advanced and precise form of cancer treatment, and its success relies on a carefully planned and coordinated process. From the initial diagnosis to post-treatment monitoring, each step is designed to ensure the proton beams are delivered with pinpoint accuracy, maximizing the treatment's effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the proton therapy journey, highlighting how modern technology and expert care come together to provide patients with a safer and more targeted approach to fighting cancer.
Patient Evaluation & Treatment Planning
Before starting treatment, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted using advanced imaging techniques such as MRI, CT, or PET scans. These scans help determine the exact size, shape, and location of the tumor. Based on this data, a personalized treatment plan is developed using specialized software, allowing clinicians to direct the proton beam with exceptional precision to the cancerous area while sparing healthy tissues.
Positioning & Immobilization
To ensure accuracy during each session, the patient is carefully positioned on a treatment table. Custom-made molds, cushions, or masks are often used to help the patient remain perfectly still throughout the procedure. This step is crucial for aligning the proton beam with the tumor from the exact same angle each time.
Proton Beam Delivery
High-speed protons are generated using a specialized machine called a cyclotron or synchrotron. These protons are then guided and focused using powerful magnets to form a narrow, highly targeted beam. Thanks to the unique physical properties of protons—especially the Bragg Peak—the radiation dose is released directly at the tumor site, with little to no exit dose. This makes proton therapy significantly safer and more precise than conventional X-ray radiation.
Treatment Sessions
Proton therapy is typically administered in daily sessions from Monday to Friday, over the course of several weeks, depending on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. Each visit lasts around 30 to 45 minutes, although the actual delivery of the proton beam takes just a few minutes.
Post-Treatment Monitoring
After the treatment course is complete, patients undergo regular follow-up visits, which may include scans, physical exams, and lab tests. These help the medical team evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy, monitor recovery, and manage any potential short-term or long-term side effects.
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Availability of Proton Therapy in India
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment known for its precision and reduced side effects. As of 2025, several prominent centers across the country offer this cutting-edge technology, providing patients with more options for specialized cancer care.
Existing Proton Therapy Centers in India
- Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), Chennai: Established as the first proton therapy center in South Asia and the Middle East, APCC has been an example in introducing this technology to the region. The center offers comprehensive cancer care, integrating surgical, radiation, and medical oncology with state-of-the-art proton therapy. Almost all international patients who arrive in India for proton therapy receive treatment at APCC because of zero waiting time, state-of-the-art infrastructure and priority services.
- Tata Memorial Centre’s ACTREC, Navi Mumbai: Inaugurated in 2023, this facility is the first in the public sector to provide proton beam therapy in India. Notably, it offers free treatment to 60% of its Indian patients, with the remaining 40% receiving care at subsidized rates, making advanced cancer treatment more accessible.
New and Upcoming Proton Therapy Centers
- AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad: In early 2025, AIG Hospitals announced an investment to establish a new oncology center equipped with the Proteus®ONE compact proton therapy system. This facility is set to become the third proton therapy center in India and the first in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
- Health Care Global (HCG), Bengaluru: Reports indicate that HCG is in the process of setting up a proton therapy facility. While the exact timeline remains uncertain, this development signifies the ongoing expansion of proton therapy services to other major cities in India.
- Apollo Hospitals: Apollo Hospitals has been instrumental in expanding proton therapy services. In March 2025, Apollo announced a partnership with Ion Beam Applications (IBA) to introduce the Proteus®ONE system in India, further enhancing its proton therapy capabilities.
How is Proton Therapy Better than Traditional Radiation
For cancer patients, choosing the right treatment is crucial. Traditional X-ray radiation therapy has been a standard cancer treatment for decades, but proton therapy offers a more advanced, targeted, and safer approach.
Below are the key points why proton therapy is a better option than conventional radiation:
- Higher Precision: Proton therapy delivers radiation directly to the tumor, reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Fewer Side Effects: Since healthy tissues receive minimal radiation, patients experience fewer complications, such as damage to the heart, lungs, or brain.
- Ideal for Pediatric Patients: Children are more sensitive to radiation, and proton therapy significantly reduces the risk of long-term side effects.
- Effective for Complex Tumors: It is especially useful for cancers near delicate structures, such as the brain, spinal cord, and eyes.
Cost of Proton Therapy in India
The cost of proton therapy in India varies based on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the number of treatment sessions required, and the specific healthcare facility chosen.
It's important to note that these costs are 60% lower than those in many Western countries. In India the cost for proton therapy varies from $21500 to $70000, depending on the number of fractions of radiation advised.
Eligible Candidate for Proton Therapy
Proton therapy is an advanced cancer treatment that provides high precision with minimal side effects. However, not all patients require proton therapy. It is primarily recommended for specific cancer types, tumor locations, and patient conditions where conventional radiation might pose higher risks.
Doctors recommend proton therapy instead of traditional radiation in the following cases:
- Tumors Located Near Vital Organs: When a tumor is close to the heart, brain, eyes, spinal cord, or other critical structures, proton therapy ensures precise targeting while protecting nearby tissues.
- Pediatric Patients: Children, whose bodies are still growing and developing, are especially vulnerable to the side effects of conventional radiation, making proton therapy a significantly safer and more protective treatment option.
- Patients with a High Risk of Radiation-Induced Side Effects: If traditional radiation is anticipated to cause severe complications, proton therapy is a better alternative.
- Re-treatment for Recurrent Cancer: If a patient has previously received radiation and the cancer has returned, traditional radiation may not be an option due to cumulative exposure limits. Proton therapy can safely provide treatment in such cases.
Future of Proton Therapy in India
As of 2025, the landscape of proton therapy in the country is evolving rapidly, with advancements in technology, establishment of new centers, and increased accessibility for patients.
Technological Advancements in Proton Therapy
The field of proton therapy is witnessing significant technological innovations aimed at improving treatment efficacy and patient experience:
- Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS): This advanced technique allows for precise targeting of tumors by directing a narrow proton beam that "paints" the tumor layer by layer, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Compact Proton Therapy Systems: Developments in compact systems, such as the Proteus®ONE, are making it feasible for more hospitals to incorporate proton therapy without the need for extensive infrastructure. These systems are designed to fit into existing radiation therapy spaces, reducing construction costs and implementation barriers.
- Integrated Imaging Systems: Modern proton therapy machines are now equipped with integrated imaging technologies like CT and PET scanners, enhancing the precision of tumor localization and treatment planning.
Research and Development Initiatives
India is increasingly focusing on research and development in the field of proton therapy:
Clinical Trials and Studies: Indian institutions are participating in global clinical trials to explore the efficacy of proton therapy for various cancer types, contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting its use.
Collaborations with International Partners: Partnerships between Indian hospitals and international proton therapy equipment manufacturers facilitate knowledge exchange and access to the latest technologies.
Government Support: The Indian government is recognizing the importance of advanced cancer treatments and is likely to support initiatives aimed at expanding proton therapy services through funding and policy frameworks.
As technology advances and more research is conducted, proton therapy in India is set to become more widely available, improving treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients. If you or a loved one is considering proton therapy, please get in touch with us and we shall be able to help you with customized treatment plans.
Himang
Author
Himang Gupta is a skilled medical content writer with a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology and extensive experience crafting engaging and informative blogs. Passionate about simplifying complex medical topics, he ensures his content resonates with readers. When not researching or writing, Himang enjoys scrolling Instagram, cracking jokes, and savoring the flavor of elaichi—his ultimate treat after a productive writing session.
Guneet Bindra
Reviewer
Guneet Bhatia is the Founder of HOSPIDIO and an accomplished content reviewer with extensive experience in medical content development, instructional design, and blogging. Passionate about creating impactful content, she excels in ensuring accuracy and clarity in every piece. Guneet enjoys engaging in meaningful conversations with people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, enriching her perspective. When she's not working, she cherishes quality time with her family, enjoys good music, and loves brainstorming innovative ideas with her team.