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Proton therapy is the most precise form of radiation cancer treatment available today. India is home to South Asia’s only proton therapy facility — Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) in Chennai — making it one of the most cost-effective destinations in the world for this treatment.
Mycurepathway connects international patients with Apollo Proton Cancer Centre. From your first medical evaluation to your return home, we manage every step.
What Is Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy is a type of external beam radiation that uses protons — positively charged particles — instead of conventional X-rays to target and destroy cancer cells.
In standard radiation therapy, the X-ray beam enters the body, delivers energy to the tumor, and continues through to healthy tissue on the other side — creating what is called an exit dose. This exit dose damages surrounding healthy cells and organs.
Proton therapy works differently. Protons travel through the body and release the majority of their energy at a precise, controllable depth — a physical phenomenon known as the Bragg Peak. Beyond that point, the dose drops off sharply. The tumor receives the full radiation dose. The healthy tissue behind it receives close to none.
This makes proton therapy significantly safer for tumors located near critical structures — the brain, spinal cord, eyes, heart, and major nerves.
How Is Proton Therapy Different from Conventional Radiation?
| Feature | Conventional Radiation (X-ray) | Proton Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation type | Photons (X-rays) | Protons (charged particles) |
| Exit dose | Yes — damages tissue beyond tumor | No — energy stops at tumor |
| Precision | Moderate | Very high |
| Side effect risk | Higher | Lower |
| Best suited for | Most cancers | Tumors near critical organs, pediatric cancers, re-irradiation cases |
| Technology required | LINAC machine | Cyclotron or synchrotron |
| Availability in India | Widely available | Only at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai |
Which Cancers Are Treated with Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy is not suitable for every cancer. It delivers the greatest benefit where precision matters most — where the tumor sits near a critical structure, where the patient is a child, or where previous radiation has already been delivered to the same area.
Cancers most commonly treated with proton therapy:
- Brain tumors — Gliomas, meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas, acoustic neuromas, pituitary tumors
- Pediatric cancers — Medulloblastoma, ependymoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, retinoblastoma. Children’s developing tissue is particularly vulnerable to radiation scatter; proton therapy significantly reduces long-term side effects.
- Head and neck cancers — Oropharyngeal cancer, paranasal sinus tumors, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, salivary gland tumors
- Prostate cancer — Especially where sparing the bladder and rectum is critical
- Skull base tumors — Chordomas and chondrosarcomas, where surgery alone is rarely curative
- Spinal and paraspinal tumors — Where dose to the spinal cord must be minimised
- Ocular tumors — Uveal melanoma and other eye tumors where vision preservation is the goal
- Lung cancer — Selected early-stage cases
- Liver cancer — Where healthy liver function must be preserved
- Re-irradiation cases — Patients who have previously received radiation and need a second course
Who is NOT a candidate: Proton therapy is not recommended for cancers that have spread widely (metastatic), for rapidly moving tumors in areas like the stomach or intestine, or for cancers that respond better to chemotherapy or surgery alone. Eligibility is determined by a multidisciplinary oncology team after reviewing each patient’s medical records.
Proton Therapy in India — Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) in Chennai is the first and only proton therapy facility in South Asia and the Middle East. It is also India’s first JCI-accredited dedicated cancer hospital.
Key facts — verified:
- Established: 2019
- Location: Tharamani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Beds: 150 (dedicated cancer centre)
- Accreditation: JCI (Joint Commission International) + NABH
- Technology: IBA Proteus®Plus multi-room proton therapy system with pencil beam scanning — the most precise proton delivery technology available globally
- Gantries: 3 treatment rooms
- Part of: Apollo Hospitals Group
What makes APCC clinically significant:
Pencil beam scanning (PBS) is the gold standard in proton delivery. Unlike older scattered proton techniques, PBS paints the dose across the tumor layer by layer, in three dimensions, conforming precisely to the tumor’s shape. APCC is equipped with this system — the same technology used at the world’s leading proton centres.
The centre also houses:
- Da Vinci® Xi robotic surgical system
- TomoTherapy machine for conventional radiation
- IBM Watson for Oncology (AI-based clinical decision support)
- Digital pathology and genomic profiling
- Multidisciplinary Tumour Boards for every complex case
Monthly patient volumes (APCC):
- 2,300+ daily OPD visits
- 200+ international patient consultations per month
- 450+ chemotherapy day care sessions
Proton Therapy Cost in India
Proton therapy in India costs significantly less than in Western countries. The exact cost depends on the cancer type, tumour location, number of treatment fractions required, and additional procedures (surgery, chemotherapy) that may be part of the overall treatment plan.
General cost comparison — verified ranges:
| Country | Approximate Cost (Full Course) |
|---|---|
| United States | USD 100,000 – 150,000 |
| Germany | USD 60,000 – 100,000 |
| Japan | USD 50,000 – 80,000 |
| India (Apollo Chennai) | USD 12,000 – 40,000* |
*Cost range reflects variation by indication, fractions, and associated care. Source: Multiple medical travel platforms, 2025–2026 data.
Important: A single quoted number for proton therapy cost is unreliable. A brain tumour requiring 30 fractions has a very different cost from a prostate cancer case requiring 28 fractions. Mycurepathway will obtain a personalised cost estimate from Apollo Proton Cancer Centre based on your specific medical records before you travel.
Why International Patients Choose India for Proton Therapy
1. The only facility in South Asia and the Middle East For patients in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, India is the nearest destination for proton therapy. The alternative is travelling to the USA, Germany, or Japan — at 3–10x the cost.
2. JCI-accredited quality APCC holds JCI accreditation, the same international standard by which hospitals in the USA and Europe are evaluated. This is not a local certification — it is a globally recognised benchmark for clinical quality and patient safety.
3. Pencil beam scanning technology APCC uses the same generation of proton technology as the world’s leading centres, including centres in the USA and Europe. Patients are not making a technology compromise by choosing India.
4. Cost saving of 60–85% Compared to the USA, patients typically save 60–85% on the same treatment. For a full course of proton therapy that would cost USD 120,000 in the US, the same treatment at APCC may cost USD 15,000–40,000.
5. English-speaking clinical teams All oncologists, physicists, and case managers at APCC communicate in English. Patients from Africa, the Middle East, and beyond have consistently reported no language barriers.
6. Integrated oncology — not just proton APCC is a full-service cancer centre. If a patient needs surgery before radiation, chemotherapy alongside proton therapy, or bone marrow transplant as part of the treatment plan, everything is available under one roof.
How Mycurepathway Helps International Patients Access Proton Therapy at Apollo Chennai
Getting to proton therapy is not just a clinical journey — it is a logistical one. Mycurepathway manages the entire process so that patients and families focus only on treatment.
Step 1 — Free Medical Evaluation Submit your medical reports, scan images, biopsy results, and treatment history through Mycurepathway. Our team reviews the records and forwards them to APCC’s oncology specialists for a preliminary assessment — at no cost.
Step 2 — Treatment Opinion and Cost Estimate APCC’s multidisciplinary team reviews your case and provides a treatment recommendation, estimated number of fractions, and an indicative cost. You receive this before committing to travel.
Step 3 — Medical Visa Assistance Once you confirm you want to proceed, Mycurepathway provides a medical invitation letter from the hospital, guides you through the Indian medical visa application process, and helps prepare all supporting documents.
Step 4 — Travel and Accommodation We arrange airport pickup from Chennai International Airport, accommodation close to APCC, and local transportation throughout your treatment period.
Step 5 — On-Ground Support A dedicated Mycurepathway case manager accompanies you through hospital registration, appointment scheduling, and day-to-day coordination during your stay in Chennai.
Step 6 — Post-Treatment Follow-up After you return home, Mycurepathway facilitates remote follow-up consultations with APCC’s oncologists and helps coordinate with your local doctor for continued care.
What to Expect During Proton Therapy Treatment at APCC
Pre-treatment phase (Days 1–5 approximately)
- Full oncology consultation and case review by APCC’s multidisciplinary tumour board
- Imaging: CT simulation, MRI, PET-CT as required for treatment planning
- Physics planning: Radiation physicists and dosimetrists map the precise proton beam delivery for your tumour
- Immobilisation device fitting: A custom mould is made to ensure identical positioning for every session
Treatment phase
- Each session takes approximately 15–45 minutes, including setup time
- The proton beam delivery itself takes only a few minutes per session
- Most patients remain fully conscious and experience no pain during treatment
- Number of sessions typically ranges from 15 to 39, depending on the cancer type and protocol
- Patients are generally able to stay in accommodation near the hospital and travel in for daily sessions
Post-treatment
- Final consultation and discharge planning
- Medical summary provided for your home country doctor
- Remote follow-up scheduled with APCC’s oncology team
Typical total stay in Chennai: 4–8 weeks (varies by number of fractions and any concurrent treatment)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is proton therapy and how does it work?
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation cancer treatment that uses protons — charged particles — instead of X-rays. Protons release most of their energy at a precise depth inside the body, targeting the tumour directly while minimising radiation to surrounding healthy tissue. This is made possible by a physical property called the Bragg Peak, which allows clinicians to control exactly where the energy is deposited.
Is proton therapy available in India?
Yes. Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) in Chennai is the first and only proton therapy facility in South Asia and the Middle East. It has been operational since 2019 and holds both JCI and NABH accreditation. No other hospital in India currently offers proton therapy.
What is the cost of proton therapy in India?
The cost of proton therapy in India ranges approximately from USD 12,000 to USD 40,000 for a full course of treatment, depending on the cancer type, tumour location, number of fractions, and any additional procedures required. This compares to USD 100,000–150,000 in the United States for equivalent treatment. Mycurepathway provides personalised cost estimates based on your specific medical records before you travel.
Which cancers can be treated with proton therapy at Apollo Chennai?
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre treats brain tumours, skull base tumours, head and neck cancers, prostate cancer, pediatric cancers (including medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma), spinal tumours, ocular tumours, lung cancer, liver cancer, and recurrent cancers requiring re-irradiation. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis by APCC’s multidisciplinary oncology team.
Is proton therapy better than conventional radiation therapy?
Proton therapy is not universally better — it is more precise and better suited for specific situations. It delivers a significant benefit when the tumour is close to a critical organ, when the patient is a child, or when previous radiation has already been given. For cancers where the tumour is not near sensitive structures, high-quality conventional radiation (such as IMRT or IGRT) may achieve equivalent outcomes at lower cost. Your oncologist will determine which approach is most appropriate for your specific case.
How long does proton therapy treatment take in Chennai?
Most patients require 15–39 treatment sessions, delivered once daily, five days a week. Including pre-treatment planning and post-treatment review, the total stay in Chennai is typically 4–8 weeks. Mycurepathway helps plan your stay and accommodation accordingly.
Is Apollo Proton Cancer Centre internationally accredited?
Yes. APCC is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) — the global standard for hospital quality and patient safety — and by NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers). It is India’s first dedicated cancer hospital to receive JCI accreditation.
Can Mycurepathway help with my medical visa for proton therapy in India?
Yes. Mycurepathway provides a medical invitation letter from Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, guides you through the Indian medical visa application, and helps prepare all supporting documents. We have assisted patients from Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and other regions in obtaining medical visas for treatment in India.
How do I know if I am a candidate for proton therapy?
Submit your medical records — diagnosis reports, scan images (MRI/CT/PET), biopsy results, and treatment history — to Mycurepathway. We forward them to APCC’s oncology team for a free preliminary assessment. The team will advise on whether proton therapy is appropriate for your case and what the treatment plan would involve.
What support does Mycurepathway provide during treatment at Apollo Chennai?
Mycurepathway provides end-to-end support: free medical evaluation, cost estimation, medical visa assistance, airport pickup, accommodation near the hospital, local transportation, daily on-ground case management, and post-treatment remote follow-up coordination with APCC’s oncologists.
About Apollo Proton Cancer Centre — Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hospital name | Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) |
| Location | Tharamani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Established | 2019 |
| Beds | 150 |
| Accreditation | JCI + NABH |
| Technology | IBA Proteus®Plus, Pencil Beam Scanning, 3 Gantries |
| Part of | Apollo Hospitals Group |
| Distinction | First and only proton therapy centre in South Asia and the Middle East; India’s first JCI-accredited dedicated cancer hospital |
