MedAustron treats first patient using carbon-ion therapy
OMA Partner MedAustron is one of the most advanced centres for ion beam therapy and research in Europe. Compared to conventional radiation therapy, this treatment is able to reduce radiation exposure to adjacent healthy tissue and spares the tissue behind the tumour almost entirely. Therefore, ion beam therapy is an optimal treatment for tumours close to radio-sensitive organs, like the brain and the spinal cord, eyes, liver and lungs.
After having started clinical operation with protons two and a half years ago, MedAustron has continuously increased the number of patients treated and expanded their range of indications.
A significant milestone has now been reached - whereas patients were previously treated exclusively with protons, carbon ion therapy is now also available. With carbon ion irradiation, charged carbon nuclei are directed at the tumour. These are loaded with energy and heavier than protons and so provide an even higher biological effectiveness. This form of treatment opens up new opportunities for tumours that were previously difficult or impossible to treat.
Initially, treatment with carbon ions focuses primarily on tumours in the head and neck region and at the base of the skull. The spectrum will be continuously expanded, for example to include gastrointestinal indications such as pancreatic or rectal carcinomas and sarcomas.
Hereby, MedAustron is joining the ranks of only six centres worldwide that can combat tumours with both protons and carbon ions.