The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has assigned three major hospitals -- K Hospital, Cho Ray Hospital, and Hue Central Hospital -- to develop proton therapy centers for advanced cancer treatment across northern, central, and southern Vietnam.

The proton therapy project is expected to begin its investment phase in 2025, with completion targeted between 2026 and 2030. 

During a recent meeting, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan emphasized the need for a comprehensive proposal that outlines the necessity of proton therapy, especially for pediatric cancer patients, along with supporting data from other countries where this method is prioritized.

The proposal will also define the health insurance coverage ratio, with suggested reimbursement rates of 80 percent for children and 60 percent for elderly patients.

Besides, the economic and social benefits of the project will be thoroughly analyzed, including increased survival rates, reduced recurrence and metastasis, and overall economic impact.

The health ministry also required data on the number of Vietnamese patients seeking proton therapy abroad, as well as a comparative analysis of different proton therapy technologies to determine the most suitable option for Vietnam.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory, Vietnam records approximately 169,500 new cancer cases annually, with 60 percent of patients requiring radiation therapy.

An estimated five percent of these patients, or around 8,938 cases, would benefit from proton therapy, as per recommendations from the American Society for Radiation Oncology.

Currently, Vietnam has no proton therapy machines, and existing radiation therapy services are insufficient.

The country has only 84 linear accelerators, which meet just 60-70 percent of the demand. 

To achieve the government’s goal of one radiation therapy machine per one million people, an additional 35-40 machines will be needed in the coming years.

Proton therapy is the most advanced form of external beam radiation therapy, allowing for highly precise radiation doses to tumors, even in complex shapes or near sensitive organs.

It is particularly effective for cancers located near critical structures where traditional linear accelerator radiation may cause excessive damage to healthy tissues.

Proton therapy is especially beneficial to at least eight types of cancer, including prostate, eye, brain, head and neck, lung, esophagus, breast, and liver cancers, as well as pediatric cancers.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!