Seoul St. Mary's Hospital Begins Construction of Asia's First Next-Generation Proton Therapy Center

Phase 1 Investment of 250 Billion Won
First Operation Scheduled for End of 2029

Seoul St. Mary's Hospital of the Catholic University of Korea announced on the 25th that it had signed the main contract with IBA, a global leader in proton particle therapy solutions, for the introduction of the next-generation proton therapy system 'IBA Proteus Plus' at its main building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, at 3 p.m. on the 24th.

Representatives from Catholic University Seoul St. Mary's Hospital and IBA, a global leader in proton particle therapy solutions, took a commemorative photo after signing the main contract for the introduction of the next-generation proton therapy system 'IBA Proteus Plus' at the hospital's main building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, at 3 p.m. on the 24th. Seoul St. Mary's Hospital

With this contract, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital will introduce the most advanced proton therapy equipment currently available in Asia and operate the largest proton therapy center in Korea. In particular, compared to the start dates of the proton therapy devices currently in operation domestically, the equipment to be introduced by Seoul St. Mary's Hospital represents a next-generation system with a technological gap of more than 10 years.

The Proteus Plus model from IBA, which will be introduced by Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, is considered a next-generation device that is a significant advancement over the first-generation proton therapy machines currently in use in Korea. One of its advantages, adaptive proton therapy, is a technology that enables immediate treatment of tumors that have changed during the course of therapy without additional waiting time. It is expected to be implemented for the first time in the world at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital.

Another technology, Dynamic ARC, will also be introduced at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital for the first time in Asia. This technology utilizes a 360-degree rotating gantry (rotating irradiation device) with angle adjustments as precise as 0.1 degrees to continuously deliver proton beams at the optimal treatment angle. As a result, it minimizes damage to healthy tissue, improves treatment efficacy, and shortens treatment time.

The proton therapy center to be built within the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital complex will be constructed in two phases. In the first phase, more than 250 billion won will be invested to complete the introduction and installation of the proton therapy device and begin operations by the end of 2029. The center will have eight floors, including underground levels, and a total area of 37,850 square meters (about 11,450 pyeong).

The hospital also plans to invest additional resources and proceed with the internally planned second phase of construction once the proton therapy is operating smoothly. Upon completion of this second phase, the focus of solid cancer treatment will shift entirely to the newly established proton therapy center, making it a true 'Seoul St. Mary's Cancer Hospital.'

With three treatment gantries-the largest configuration in Korea-the hospital is also preparing to meet the rapidly increasing patient demand. As each gantry can simultaneously accommodate patient entry, treatment preparation, and treatment itself, the hospital aims to maximize operational efficiency through a seamless, continuous treatment process.

Lee Jiyeol, Director of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, stated, "The introduction of world-class next-generation proton therapy equipment and the construction of the center is the final piece completing the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital complex. In addition to our blood disease hospital, which already enjoys a global reputation, the cancer hospital will once again establish new competitiveness by providing the world's best level of care."

Meanwhile, IBA, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, is a global leader in particle accelerator technology. As of 2024, IBA holds more than half of the global market share for proton therapy devices, and around 60 medical institutions worldwide, including those in advanced medical countries such as the United States and Europe, operate IBA's proton therapy systems.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.