Proton Therapy in India: Centres, Costs & Patient Eligibility 2025

India now has fully operational proton therapy centres. Learn which cancers benefit most, which hospitals offer it, what the cost is compared to the USA or UK, and how international patients can access it.

What Is Proton Therapy?

Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation that uses proton beams instead of X-rays to destroy cancer cells. The protons deposit most of their energy precisely at the tumour (Bragg peak), sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This makes it ideal for tumours near critical structures.

Cancers Best Treated with Proton Therapy

• Brain and spinal cord tumours (especially in children)
• Head and neck cancers (preserving salivary glands, spinal cord)
• Prostate cancer — precise dose with minimal side effects
• Lung cancer — reduces cardiac and pulmonary dose
• Pediatric cancers — minimises late effects on growing tissues
• Recurrent cancers in previously irradiated areas
• Liver and pancreatic cancers

Proton Therapy Centres in India

• Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai — largest proton centre in South Asia
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram — planned proton unit
• ACTREC / Tata Memorial, Kharghar, Mumbai — proton facility under development

Cost of Proton Therapy in India

A full course of proton therapy in India costs $15,000–30,000 — compared to $60,000–120,000 in the USA. The exact cost depends on the number of fractions (typically 20–40 sessions) and the cancer type.