MPTRC

Treatment

Types of cancers treated at MPTRC

Proton therapy is highly effective when the tumor is solid, well-defined, localized, and non-metastasized. MPTRC provides proton therapy for cancers of the prostate, lung, liver, bile duct, pancreas, head and neck, esophagus, and more. A team at MPTRC has been developing expertise in cancer and is currently focusing on breast cancer. Proton therapy offers no benefit for gastrointestinal or blood cancer. Length of treatment depends on the type, size, and position of the cancer - it takes 5.5 weeks for prostate cancer and 2 weeks for localized lung cancer, both after a week of preparation (this includes medical examinations, creation of a treatment plan, and treatment simulation).



Consult a Doctor

You may receive a lot of information and many treatment options. When you talk with your doctor, questions below will help you narrow your choices. Ask your doctor to write the actual descriptions of your cancer and the type of tumor. Many of the tumors treated by proton therapy can also be treated by X-ray radiation, so these questions may help with explaining the differences.
• What are applicable treatment options for me?
• What would you recommend and why?
• Is proton treatment an option for me?
• What are the pros and cons of each of these options?
•What is the treatment like, and is it safe?
•How long will a course of treatment take? How long does each treatment last?
•How much will the treatment affect my everyday life?
•What are the short and long term side effects of my treatment options?
• How will we know if the treatment has been successful?
• Where will the treatment take place?
• What are treatment costs, and will they be covered by my healthcare insurance?
• If my cancer recurs, what should I do? Can I undergo proton treatment for a second time?
• After we decide the best course of treatment, what are the next steps?

What to expect at MPTRC

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Your personal physician or specialized oncologist will offer some treatment options. Proton therapy is one of the most advanced radiation treatments for cancer, and it may be one of the options. At MPTRC, we will provide more information if proton therapy could be applicable. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Here’s how to proceed.

  1. Send us your medical records via e-mail.
    In order to provide you with the most accurate diagnosis, we request that you obtain your medical records, including laboratory tests, reports, and/or other diagnostic tests.

  2. Suitability
    The MPTRC cancer board, including attending oncologists, will discuss your case and determine if your treatment with our services will be effective.

  3. Schedule your appointment
    Once your application has been passed through our treatment criteria, you will be scheduled for your appointment. Click the following links for a list of registered guarantors, if applicable.
    Medical coordinators etc.:
    http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/medical_stay2.html
    Travel agencies:
    http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/medical_stay3.html

  4. Consult our doctor
    After the initial referral by your physician and arrival at Medipolis, you will see our team of doctors to discuss necessary treatment procedures.

  5. Preparation for treatment
    During the following week, two to five days will be spent planning the treatment process. During this time, MRI, X-Rays, CT scans, and blood tests will be done to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the precise position of the cancer. Based on this information, the treatment will be planned, including the fabrication of a compensator (or bolus) for your tumor and a personal positioning device. These ensure the highest possible precision to minimize the irradiation of healthy tissue.

  6. Treatment
    The following week, after a day of orientation and a rehearsal, the treatment begins. Treatment is on an out-patient basis Monday through Friday and takes about 30 minutes per day.
    Duration of treatment depends on the type of cancer being treated (2 to 8 weeks.)

  7. After completion of the treatment
    Your home physician will carry out follow-up observations.