The proton beam therapy that will be available at the center is groundbreaking therapy that irradiates proton beams accurately onto tumors moving due to respiration.
Features of the proton beams
The X-rays currently used in radiation therapy have the property of transmission through the body. Due to this, it is impossible not to irradiate the normal tissue behind the tumor. Proton beams display a feature known as a “Bragg Peak”, where the main portion of the contained energy is released at the limit of the irradiation depth. Due to this feature proton beams release the main dose of energy close to the target, here the cancer tumors, and the surrounding normal tissue is not affected. This remarkable feature of proton beams makes them attractive for use in therapy.
Spot-scanning Irradiation Technique
Our proton beam uses a so-called Spot-scanning Irradiation Technique. This enables the irradiation of tumors with the narrow pinpointing proton beams, and makes it possible to treat tumors with complicated shapes.
Downsizing the facility for proton beam therapy
The center has been able to successfully reduce the size of the system, to make it small enough to be installed in the premises of hospitals, by incorporating the Spot-scanning Irradiation Technique. We have conducted research that is unparalleled in the world, able to improve the precision of the proton beams in therapy targeting tumors moving due to respiration, by combining Real-time Tumor-tracking Radiation Therapy and cone beam CT with the Spot-scanning Irradiation Technique.
This facility was constructed by the Advanced Radiation Therapy Project, Real-time Tumor-tracking with Molecular Imaging Techniques, under the Funding Program for World-Leading Innovative R&D on Science and Technology (FIRST Program). The research is granted by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) through the “Funding Program for World-Leading Innovative R&D on Science and Technology (FIRST Program),” initiated by the Council for Science and Technology Policy (CSTP).
The newly opened facility for proton beam therapy features an exterior that melds into the appearance of existing hospital buildings. The interior was designed to create a comforting and warm atmosphere for patients by extensive use of wood.
Details of the Facility
| Facility | Reception (2nd floor), Consultation rooms (1st floor, 2 rooms), Treatment Room (1st floor, 1 room) |
|---|---|
| Structure | Reinforced concrete, 4 stories |
| Completion of the building | March, 2014 |
Interior of the treatment room
Exterior view
Stairwell
A tapestry of hand-made Japanese paper decorates the stairwell. A world-renowned <Washi> (traditional Japanese paper) artist, Eriko Horiki, has created this artistic feature employing circles as the motif, inspired by the facility.
The Proton Beam Therapy Center of Hokkaido University Hospital was established to develop a world leading proton beam therapy system. For this purpose, Hokkaido University is committed to the research and development in close cooperation with Hitachi, Ltd. under the FIRST Program. The therapy offered here enables highly accurate precise irradiation of tumors from multiple directions, making it possible to irradiate a sufficient dose to large tumors, as well as to small tumors. With the expectations for this advanced radiation therapy system there has been a shift from present day radiation therapies, and the system has already been introduced at eight institutions in Japan as well as there has been a sharp increase in interest worldwide. The center started treatment with “Spot-Scanning Proton Beam Irradiation system” on March 17th, 2014. However, before initiating full-scale operation we have to pass a number of verification and screening tests. We see it as our mission to spare no effort to make proton beam therapy available at the earliest possible date.
Fax: +81-(0)11-706-7945
Consultation Office for Cancer Patients, Hokkaido University Hospital
