30-Mar-18, Nikkei Asian Review
Toshiba will supply a cancer treatment system using beams of heavy particles to a prominent Korean hospital, taking the first step toward the goal of cultivating overseas markets.
Image: Nikkei Asian Review
The heavy-ion therapy system precisely irradiates cancerous cells using beams of carbon ions accelerated to 70% of the speed of light. The equipment is expected to cost about JPY15 bn (USD141 mn) - a price tag justified by its promise in treating lung, liver and pancreatic cancers.
The hospital of Seoul's Yonsei University chose Toshiba's system over competing products for its compact size, as well as its capacity for fine-tuning the strength of the particle beam and adjusting the scope of the irradiated area.