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TOKYO— Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today announced that the company has entered into a contract with Yamagata University for the supply of a next-generation heavy-ion radiotherapy system.

Heavy-ion radiotherapy generates a carbon ion beam (heavy-ion beam) that is accelerated up to 70% of the speed of light and irradiated to cancerous tumors. It precisely delivers a concentrated dose to targeted tumors without damaging surrounding healthy tissues, and kills cancer cells more efficiently than other radiotherapy treatments. The treatment also reduces burdens on patients and speeds rehabilitation.

The system to be supplied to Yamagata University Hospital is housed in two treatment rooms, a fixed-port room and a 360-degree rotating gantry room. State-of-the-art capabilities allow Toshiba to meet the hospital’s stringent requirements for a next-generation heavy-ion radiotherapy system, including low energy consumption, compact in foot print and volume, ease of use and management, and waste^*1 reduction. Toshiba will use the world-leading performance of the system to expand business in the global market.

One of the major features of the system is its rotating gantry. This can deliver irradiation throughout 360 degrees, ending the need for patients to adopt uncomfortable and even painful positions. Treatment at Yamagata University Hospital is expected to start in October 2019.

Prior to this contract, Toshiba developed heavy-ion radiotherapy systems in collaboration with the National Institute of Radiological Sciences in Japan, and has delivered a radiotherapy facility to the Kanagawa Cancer Center.

Healthcare is one of the focused business field for Toshiba’s businesses, and heavy-ion radiotherapy is a promising treatment technology. Toshiba Group will continue to offer products and services that contribute to healthcare with the aim of realizing society in which people can live healthy, happy lives.

*1. In heavy-ion radiotherapy, collimators and compensating filters to control the electron beam are individually made for each patient and these become waste after use.