Global development of particle therapy centers

After wrapping up the 2025 PTCOG-AO meeting in HongKong, I took some time to update these global growth charts for Particle Therapy Centers based on data from the PTCOG website.

According to PTCOG, the number of proton therapy centers worldwide has increased from 52 in 2015 to 128 today and is projected to approach 200 by 2031. While the expansion of carbon-ion therapy centers is progressing at a more measured pace, the majority of this growth is clearly concentrated in Asia, underscoring the region’s strong momentum and long-term commitment to advanced particle therapy. (Feel free to use the figures at your discretion)

When viewed by region—Asia-Oceania, the Americas, and Europe—the rapid rise of Asia-Oceania stands out unmistakably. This trajectory likely explains why PTCOG-AO has emerged as one of the most dynamic and influential communities within the global PTCOG framework.

Looking ahead, sustaining and accelerating this progress will require continued collaboration, investment, and shared expertise across Asia, particularly as the field advances through innovations such as FLASH therapy, arc-based particle delivery, IGRT, and adaptive radiotherapy. With coordinated effort and vision, Asia has the opportunity not only to expand capacity, but also to lead the next phase of clinical and technological innovation in proton and carbon-ion therapy.

Exciting times lie ahead for particle therapy—and the journey is just beginning.

By Jin Sung Kim, Ph.D
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center
General Secretary, PTCOG-AO