Seoul Asan Hospital Signs Contract for Advanced Proton Therapy Equipment

On April 7, 2025, Seoul Asan Hospital announced the signing of a contract with the Toshiba ESS-DK Medical Solutions consortium for the introduction of a state-of-the-art proton therapy system. The hospital aims to have the equipment operational by 2031.

The new facility will be constructed at the hospital's campus in Songpa-gu, covering an area of approximately 40,880 square meters (around 12,388 pyeong). Plans include the installation of two rotating treatment machines and one fixed treatment machine, creating a cutting-edge treatment environment. A hospital representative stated, "We will introduce the latest proton therapy equipment capable of multi-ion beam usage and a differentiated system that allows for precision targeting based on CT imaging, providing more cancer patients with diverse treatment opportunities."

Proton therapy utilizes heavy particles, such as carbon ions, to precisely and effectively eliminate cancer cells. This advanced technology focuses high-energy proton beams on cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It is applicable not only to prostate, pancreatic, and liver cancers but also to resistant cancer types like sarcomas and kidney cancers.

With this development, Seoul Asan Hospital will become the third facility in South Korea to offer proton therapy. Yonsei Cancer Center (세브란스병원) began the country's first proton therapy last year, while Seoul National University Hospital is constructing a proton therapy center in Busan, set to begin treatments in 2027.

Park Seung-il, the president of Seoul Asan Hospital, expressed, "Once the proton therapy system is introduced in 2031, we will have the largest advanced cancer treatment facility in the country. We are committed to expanding treatment opportunities for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers and enhancing the level of cancer care in South Korea."