Proton and heavy ion therapy in China

Mainland China had three operating heavy (carbon) ion centers by end 2024: Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Wuwei and Lanzhou, plus proton centers such as Wanjie (Zibo) and Ruijin (Shanghai). Wuwei uses an NMPA-approved domestic carbon-ion system. Access is by referral and review at each center.
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Treatments available

TreatmentsStatus in ChinaStatus in USSources
Carbon ion radiotherapyApproved in ChinaUnknownGansu Wuwei Heavy Ion CenterPTCOG
Proton therapyAvailableApproved in ChinaParticle Therapy Co-Operative Group (PTCOG)Shanghai Municipal Government (English)

Hospitals with documented programs

Informational listings from cited public sources, not recommendations.

Xuhui campus of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (复旦大学附属肿瘤医院) on Dong'an Road, with the hospital name on the main tower
ShanghaiFudan University Shanghai Cancer Center复旦大学附属肿瘤医院International deptReported
Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center (上海市质子重离子医院) building exterior
ShanghaiShanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center上海市质子重离子医院International deptJCIVerified
Name plaque at the entrance of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou
HangzhouZhejiang Cancer Hospital (Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)浙江省肿瘤医院（中国科学院大学附属肿瘤医院）No public intl deptVerified

Clinical trials

45studies listed as recruiting with a site in China on ClinicalTrials.gov, as of 2026-10-26. See the list

We link trials only; enrollment decisions belong to trial teams. Since May 2026, charging patients to join clinical research is prohibited in China, as reported by AFP.

Frequently asked

Which centers offer carbon ion therapy in China?

PTCOG counted three operational heavy ion centers in mainland China as of December 2024: Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Wuwei Heavy Ion Center (from 2020) and Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center (from November 2024).

[1] Particle Therapy Co-…[2] Gansu Wuwei Heavy Io…

Do foreign patients use these centers?

Wuwei says patients from Belgium, South Korea and Australia have been treated there. Shanghai's center announced a Phase II expansion in January 2026.

[1] Gansu Wuwei Heavy Io…[2] Shanghai Municipal G…

Is the domestic carbon ion machine approved?

Yes. NMPA approved China's first self-developed carbon-ion therapy system, installed at Wuwei, in 2019.

[1] NMPA (English) / Xin…

Sources

  1. Heavy Ion Centers in China
    Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group (PTCOG) · official · accessed 2026-10-26
    “There are a total of 19 heavy ion therapy projects in mainland China; 3 centers are currently operational (as of December 25, 2024).”
  2. Particle therapy facilities in clinical operation
    PTCOG · official · accessed 2026-10-26
    “Lists SPHIC Shanghai (proton and carbon ion, from 2014/2015), WPTC Wanjie Zibo (proton, 2004) and the Wuwei Heavy Ion Therapy Center (carbon ion).”
  3. Introduction to the Heavy Ion Centers in Wuwei and Lanzhou
    Gansu Wuwei Heavy Ion Center · hospital · accessed 2026-10-26
    “Patients from across China and countries such as Belgium, South Korea, and Australia routinely seek treatment at these centers.”
  4. China's first self-developed carbon-ion therapy system gets market access
    NMPA (English) / Xinhua · official · accessed 2026-10-26
  5. Shanghai cancer center plans expansion to boost particle therapy
    Shanghai Municipal Government (English) · official · accessed 2026-10-26
    “The Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center announced on Jan 12 that new equipment has been approved, paving the way for a major expansion.”
  6. Flourish of Proton and Carbon Ion Radiotherapy in China
    Frontiers in Oncology · official · accessed 2026-10-26
    “Ruijin Hospital also established a proton center at the end of 2021.”

Information only. Not medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. Talk to your doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.