| Theme |
Radiotherapy for Cancers of Digestive Organs |
| Title |
Carbon Ion Radiotherapy for Gastrointestinal Cancer |
| Author |
Hirotoshi Kato |
Research Center Hospital for Charged Particle Therapy, National Institute of Radiological Sciences |
| Author |
Shigeru Yamada |
Research Center Hospital for Charged Particle Therapy, National Institute of Radiological Sciences |
| Author |
Shigeo Yasuda |
Research Center Hospital for Charged Particle Therapy, National Institute of Radiological Sciences |
| Author |
Tadashi Kamada |
Research Center Hospital for Charged Particle Therapy, National Institute of Radiological Sciences |
| Author |
Hirohiko Tsujii |
Research Center Hospital for Charged Particle Therapy, National Institute of Radiological Sciences |
| [ Summary ] |
Since carbon ion radiation is known to possess the Bragg peak and biologically unique characteristics resulting in a more accurate dose distribution and a higher cytocidal effect than other types of radiation, it is expected to produce greater therapeutic effects in cancer treatment. Clinical trials of carbon ion radiotherapy for cancers difficult to cure with any other therapy were commenced in June 1994 and about 2,400 patients have been treated to this time, out of whom 319 patients (14 %) had gastrointestinal cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (193), pancreatic cancer (54), esophageal cancer (13), and postoperative intrapelvic recurrence (59). |