Shanghai Proton & Heavy Ion Center: Cutting-Edge Cancer Therapy for $38,600 vs $100,000+ in the US

Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center (上海市质子重离子医院), or SPHIC, is one of the most advanced radiation therapy facilities in the world. As of 2025, it has treated over 8,600 patients across 50+ cancer types. For international patients seeking proton or heavy ion therapy — treatments that can cost $100,000–$200,000 in the US — SPHIC offers a compelling option at approximately ¥278,000 ($38,600) per course.

What Makes SPHIC Unique

• Proton AND carbon-ion therapy — SPHIC is one of the few centers worldwide offering both modalities, allowing treatment protocols tailored to each tumor type
• 50+ cancer types treated — including lung, liver, prostate, head and neck, brain, pancreatic, and pediatric cancers
• Over 8,600 patients treated (as of 2025) — extensive clinical experience
• Single-course treatment: Most patients complete therapy in one course of 20–35 sessions over 4–8 weeks
• Location: Shanghai, China — accessible through Pudong International Airport

How Proton & Heavy Ion Therapy Works

Proton and carbon-ion therapy are forms of particle therapy that deliver radiation with greater precision than conventional X-ray (photon) radiation. The physical properties of protons and carbon ions allow them to deposit most of their energy at a specific depth (the Bragg peak), minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Carbon-ion therapy also has a biological advantage — it causes more complex DNA damage in cancer cells, making it particularly effective against radioresistant tumors.

Cost Advantage

Note: The ¥278,000 fee covers the radiation therapy itself. Additional costs include pre-treatment evaluation (PET-CT, MRI: ¥20,000–¥50,000), hospital accommodation (¥800–¥1,500/day for 4–8 weeks), and consultation fees.

Cancers Treated

SPHIC treats a wide range of solid tumors where particle therapy offers advantages over conventional radiation:

• Lung cancer (NSCLC, SCLC)
• Prostate cancer
• Head and neck cancers (including nasopharyngeal carcinoma)
• Liver cancer and hepatobiliary tumors
• Brain tumors and skull base tumors
• Pancreatic cancer
• Pediatric cancers (where reducing radiation to developing tissues is critical)
• Bone and soft tissue sarcomas
• Spinal tumors

Treatment Process

1. Pre-treatment evaluation: Patient sends medical records and imaging for preliminary assessment. SPHIC's team determines if particle therapy is appropriate for the specific case.
2. Immobilization & planning: Custom immobilization devices (masks, molds) are made. Treatment planning CT and MRI are performed. This takes 1–2 weeks.
3. Treatment course: Daily sessions (Monday–Friday), each lasting 15–30 minutes. Total course: 4–8 weeks. The treatment itself is painless — patients lie still while the beam delivers radiation.
4. Follow-up: Regular monitoring during and after treatment. Remote follow-up available for international patients who return home.

Access for International Patients

SPHIC accepts international patients. Key contacts:

• Website: www.sphic.org.cn
• Phone: Consult the hospital website for international patient inquiries
• Location: Shanghai, near Pudong International Airport

Note: SPHIC is not covered by China's public medical insurance (医保). Treatment is self-pay or through commercial insurance. Some international insurance plans with global coverage may provide reimbursement — confirm with your insurer before traveling.

The Bottom Line

For patients who need proton or carbon-ion therapy, SPHIC offers world-class treatment at approximately ¥278,000 — a fraction of the $100,000–$200,000 cost in the United States. With over 8,600 patients treated across 50+ cancer types and both proton and heavy ion capabilities, it is one of the most comprehensive particle therapy centers in the world accessible to international patients.