Are non-Japanese patients able to receive proton therapy in Japan?

Yes, non-Japanese patients may receive proton therapy in Japan. Non-Japanese patients who wish to receive treatment at this hospital need to use the support of Emergency Assistance Japan (EAJ), the designated medical coordination service company of this hospital. Please also consult with EAJ for assistance regarding immigration visas, accommodation, or other such matters. For more information, please see the page “For non-Japanese patients: Arranging to receive proton therapy.”

I have received radiation therapy in the past. Is it possible for me to receive proton therapy?

It is generally not possible to receive proton therapy if you have already received radiation therapy in the past. This is because proton therapy is also a type of radiation therapy, and there is a risk of serious side effects if patients are administered with large doses of radiation. However, it may be possible to receive proton therapy to treat a different part of the body to which the radiation therapy was administered.

Is it not possible to receive proton therapy if my cancer has spread?

It is generally not possible to receive proton therapy if your cancer has spread. However, in some cases it may be possible for patients to receive treatment even if the cancer has spread, depending on the part of the body to which the cancer has spread, the number of tumors, and the physical condition of the patient.

If cases of bladder cancer are treated with proton therapy, is it possible to preserve the bladder?

We provide proton therapy for the treatment of invasive bladder cancer as a method which allows the bladder to be preserved. There are a number of conditions which need to be fulfilled in order to receive treatment; for example, patients need to be no older than 80 years of age and have no decline in kidney function, and be diagnosed with either stage T2 or T3 bladder cancer. If you wish to receive treatment which preserves the bladder, please first contact the Department of Urology at this hospital to receive assessment of your condition to confirm whether the tumor(s) can be treated with therapy which preserves the bladder, and whether arterial infusion chemotherapy is possible. Please contact the Department of Urology Second Opinion Inquiry Service for Outpatients at Tel: 029-853-3562 (calls are chargeable), stating that you have an inquiry regarding receiving treatment for bladder cancer which preserves the bladder.

Will I need to be admitted to hospital for my treatment?

It is generally not necessary for patients to be admitted to the hospital during treatment. Many patients receive treatment as outpatients. In general, patients are able to lead a normal life during treatment. Some patients also continue to work during their treatment period. However, in some cases patients may need to be admitted if their doctor considers it necessary.

Are there accommodation facilities near the center?

There are a number of accommodation facilities in the vicinity of the center, such as hotels and flats for short-term rental known as “weekly mansions.” Some patients of the center use these facilities, but the center is not able to assist with accommodation arrangements. If you have any difficulties arranging accommodation, please consult with Emergency Assistance Japan (EAJ).

What are the costs of proton therapy?

The costs of receiving proton therapy differ depending on the patient. For more information, non-Japanese patients should contact Emergency Assistance Japan (EAJ), the designated medical coordination service company of this hospital.

Are there age restrictions on receiving proton therapy?

There are no particular age restrictions on receiving proton therapy.