Number of fractions
16 fractions (covered by insurance in Japan). The Osaka Heavy Ion Therapy Center treats, in principle, 4 times a week (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri), and this falls under Japan’s category “head and neck tumors (including skull base tumors, excluding squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and pharynx/larynx).”
Eligible conditions
① Bone and soft tissue tumors of the head and neck such as osteosarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma ② skull base tumors such as chordoma and chondrosarcoma (at or above the second cervical vertebra)
Cases not eligible
Radical surgical resection is possible; extensive metastasis; prior radiotherapy; serious complications or infections affecting treatment (especially at the irradiated site); the physician judging treatment difficult; or the patient not having been informed of the diagnosis.
Main side effects
During treatment, dermatitis and mucositis limited to the irradiated area may occur; with oral mucositis, the diet should be changed to soft, low-irritation food. These reactions usually recover about 1 month after treatment. Late side effects depend on the areas the tumor contacts or invades and may include jawbone necrosis, visual impairment, or hearing impairment; most late side effects do not recover.
After treatment
After treatment, follow-up is conducted by both the original referring physician and the Osaka Heavy Ion Therapy Center.