Proton Therapy in Chennai - Apollo Hospitals

India’s Only Proton Therapy Centre is Right Here in Chennai

Apollo Hospitals has transformed the future of cancer care with the launch of the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) in Chennai — South Asia’s first and only proton therapy facility. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary team of global experts, APCC offers unmatched precision in radiation oncology.

If you or a loved one is facing a complex or sensitive cancer diagnosis, Proton Therapy in Chennai could be the safest and most effective treatment option available today. Patients from across India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa trust APCC for advanced, compassionate care.

Ready to meet with a proton therapy expert?

What Is Proton Therapy and Why Is It Revolutionary?

Proton Therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy that uses positively charged particles (protons) to target tumors. Unlike traditional radiation, which passes through the body, protons deliver their maximum energy directly at the tumor and then stop, a scientific phenomenon known as the Bragg Peak.

This allows doctors to deliver higher, more effective doses of radiation with unmatched precision, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue and organs.

Key Advantages of Proton Therapy at Apollo Chennai

• Sub-millimeter precision with Pencil Beam Scanning and IMPT
• Fewer side effects compared to traditional radiation
• Lower risk of long-term complications, especially in children
• Ideal for tumors near critical organs like the brain, spine, heart, and eyes
• Safest radiation option for pediatric cancers

Proton Therapy is especially useful in cases where radiation must be delivered without compromising surrounding organs or when previous radiation limits further treatment.

Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC): South Asia’s Flagship Facility

Located in Chennai, APCC is the first and only proton therapy centre in India. It offers the complete spectrum of proton beam services under one roof, including:

• Advanced simulation and treatment planning suites
• Dedicated proton therapy gantry rooms
• Integrated real-time imaging and motion tracking
• Comprehensive oncology support services

Our team includes internationally trained radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, and support staff — all focused on delivering precise, patient-centric cancer care.

Why Choose Chennai for Proton Therapy?

Chennai is home to the most advanced radiation therapy platform in India. Patients choose Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai for:

• Unmatched clinical expertise and technology
• Global reputation for complex tumor management
• Multidisciplinary tumor boards for every patient
• Integrated care with surgical, medical, and supportive oncology teams

Whether you're from Chennai, elsewhere in India, or overseas, APCC offers a coordinated and comprehensive experience — from first consultation to follow-up.

What Types of Cancer Can Be Treated with Proton Therapy?

Proton Therapy is most beneficial in cancers requiring precision or where surrounding organs must be protected. APCC has dedicated oncology programs for the following conditions:

Pediatric Cancers

• Medulloblastoma
• Neuroblastoma
• Ewing sarcoma
• Rhabdomyosarcoma
• Retinoblastoma
• Wilms’ tumor
• Craniopharyngioma
• Osteosarcoma (select cases)

Brain and Spine Tumors

• Gliomas
• Meningiomas
• Ependymomas
• Acoustic neuromas
• Pineal tumors
• Chordomas, chondrosarcomas

Head and Neck Cancers

• Nasopharyngeal and paranasal cancers
• Oropharyngeal and laryngeal tumors
• Salivary gland tumors
• Skull base sarcomas
• Recurrent head and neck cancers

Eye and Skull Base Tumors

• Uveal melanoma
• Orbital sarcomas
• Retinoblastoma
• Skull base tumors

Gastrointestinal and Thoracic Tumors

• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Esophageal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Lung cancer
• Retroperitoneal sarcomas

Prostate and Genitourinary Cancers

• Localized and recurrent prostate cancer
• Bladder and kidney cancers (select cases)

Gynecologic Cancers

• Cervical cancer (recurrent or advanced)
• Endometrial, vaginal, vulvar cancers

Recurrent or Previously Treated Tumors

• Proton Therapy allows safe re-irradiation where traditional methods are not viable.

Your Treatment Journey at APCC, Chennai

At Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai, the entire proton therapy process — from diagnosis to recovery — happens under one roof. Our integrated care model ensures that every patient receives personalized, streamlined, and globally benchmarked treatment.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Evaluation

Once you arrive at APCC, a multidisciplinary team evaluates your case through:

• Review of your diagnosis, prior scans, and reports
• Physical examination and blood tests
• Advanced imaging (CT, MRI, or PET scans) as needed
• Multidisciplinary tumor board discussion to confirm suitability

If Proton Therapy is recommended, your treatment planning begins immediately.

Step 2: Simulation and Treatment Planning

The next step involves simulation and precise treatment planning:

• Custom immobilization device creation (e.g., face mask, body cradle)
• Planning CT scan to define the tumor’s exact location
• Fusion with MRI or PET images for maximum accuracy
• Treatment planning using advanced software to map the proton beam path

This phase typically takes 3–5 days before actual therapy starts.

Step 3: Proton Therapy Sessions

Proton therapy is delivered in daily outpatient sessions:

• Treatment duration: 4 to 7 weeks (Monday to Friday)
• Each session lasts about 15–30 minutes
• Painless, non-invasive procedure — no sedation or recovery time required
• Most patients resume normal activities after each session

Your medical team monitors progress weekly and adjusts the plan if needed.

Technology at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre

APCC is equipped with the most sophisticated radiation technology in South Asia, including:

• Pencil Beam Scanning: Millimeter accuracy in beam delivery
• IMPT (Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy): Customizes beam strength and shape
• Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT): Real-time imaging during treatment
• Respiratory gating for moving tumors (e.g., lung, liver)
• Robust quality assurance for every plan and session

This advanced infrastructure ensures the highest level of safety and effectiveness.

Proton Therapy Eligibility Criteria

Proton Therapy is typically advised for patients who:

• Have tumors near critical organs (e.g., brain, spine, eyes)
• Are children or young adults where long-term side effects must be minimized
• Have previously received radiation and require re-treatment
• Need high-dose radiation with minimal harm to surrounding tissue

Side Effects and Supportive Care

Proton Therapy has fewer side effects compared to traditional radiation. However, mild symptoms may still occur based on the area being treated.

Common Side Effects:

• Head & Neck: Dry mouth, skin redness, sore throat
• Brain: Fatigue, temporary hair loss, headache
• Pelvis/Abdomen: Nausea, bowel changes, urinary discomfort
• Lung/Chest: Mild cough, skin irritation

Supportive Care Services at APCC:

• Dedicated dietitians and nutritionists
• Psychological support and counseling
• Pain and symptom management
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation as needed

Cost of Proton Therapy at APCC, Chennai

Proton Therapy at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre involves advanced planning, precise delivery, and continuous quality assurance. As a result, the cost is higher than traditional radiation, but often justified by long-term benefits and reduced side effects.

Estimated Cost Range:

Typically between ₹25,00,000 and ₹50,00,000, depending on:

• Cancer type and stage
• Number of sessions required
• Pre-treatment workup and imaging
• Overall treatment complexity

Insurance and Financial Counseling:

• Assistance with Indian and international insurance approvals
• Support for corporate health schemes and reimbursement claims
• Help with medical loans and EMI options if required

Apollo’s dedicated financial counselors ensure full clarity and personalized estimates before beginning treatment.

Recovery and Long-Term Follow-Up

During Treatment:

• Weekly assessments by your oncologist
• Continuous symptom monitoring
• Diet and activity modifications as needed

After Treatment:

• Scheduled follow-ups at APCC or via teleconsultation
• Periodic imaging and blood work
• Ongoing support from psycho-oncology and rehab teams

Long-Term Outlook:

• Fewer complications and better organ preservation
• Lower risk of secondary cancers in pediatric patients
• Faster return to daily life, school, or work

Ready to Begin Your Treatment at South Asia’s Only Proton Therapy Centre?

Patients from across the globe trust Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai for advanced, precise, and compassionate cancer care. Whether you're newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion, we’re here to help.

Schedule your consultation with our expert oncology team today.