Radiat Oncol J.  2024 Dec;42(4):295-307. 10.3857/roj.2024.00206.

The first Korean carbon-ion radiation therapy facility: current status of the Heavy-ion Therapy Center at the Yonsei Cancer Center

• Han MC
• Choi SH
• Hong CS
• Kim YB
• Koom WS
• Kim JS
• Cho J
• Wee CW
• Kim C
• Park JW
• Han S
• Lee H
• Yoon HI
• Lee IJ
• Keum KC

• KMID: 2562874
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3857/roj.2024.00206

Abstract

Purpose
This report offers a detailed examination of the inception and current state of the Heavy-ion Therapy Center (HITC) at the Yonsei Cancer Center (YCC), setting it apart as the world’s first center equipped with a fixed beam and two superconducting gantries for carbon-ion radiation therapy (CIRT).
Materials and Methods
Preparations for CIRT at YCC began in 2013; accordingly, this center has completed a decade of meticulous planning and culminating since the operational commencement of the HITC in April 2023.
Results
This report elaborates on the clinical preparation for adopting CIRT in Korea. It includes an extensive description of HITC’s facility layout at YCC, which comprises the accelerator and treatment rooms. Furthermore, this report delineates the clinical workflow, criteria for CIRT application, and the rigorous quality assurance processes implemented at YCC. It highlights YCC’s sophisticated radiation therapy infrastructure, collaborative initiatives, and the efficacious treatment of >200 prostate cancer cases utilizing CIRT.
Conclusion
This manuscript concludes by discussing the prospective influence of CIRT on the medical domain within Korea, spotlighting YCC’s pioneering contribution and forecasting the widespread integration of this groundbreaking technology.

Keyword

Heavy ion radiotherapy; Carbon ion therapy; Radiation oncology; Particle accelerators; Clinical trials and research; Quality assurance