Research on Cancer Therapy with Carbon Beams

abbreviated as “Center”) was established in 1993 when NIRS completed construction of the HIMAC. Since then its researchers have been carrying out clinical, biological and physics studies using heavy ions generated from the HIMAC. After accumulating many clinical experiences for carbon ion radiotherapy in various types of malignant tumors, the Center successfully obtained approval from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor for “Highly Advanced Medical Technology” in 2003. Thus carbon ion therapy has achieved for itself a solid place in general practice of cancer treatment. The HIMAC has also served as a multi-user utilization facility for medical, biological and physics research and has been used by more than 700 researchers, including more than 100 foreign researchers. In 2011, when the third Mid-Term Plan of NIRS was initiated, the Center was reorganized to conduct research on heavy ion beams using carbon ions and to develop more patient-friendly next generation heavy ion treatment system intensively. This will eventually contribute to progress in getting cancer cures and improved quality of life. The Center is organized as four research programs. In the Department of Physics; and the Hospital. Progress in research and practice in FY 2011 and FY 2012 are summarized briefly.