It is a new type of irradiation that destroys tumor cells more effectively. The most common radiation therapy worldwide is carried out with tiny light particles (usually x-rays), called photons. In contrast, with proton therapy, the rays consist of charged nuclei (=ions) of hydrogen atoms. Thanks to highly complex equipment at HIT, these rays can be directed with high precision and more than 75% of light speed at the tumor and the destructive effects focus there.
With carbon ion irradiation, charged carbon nuclei are directed at the tumor. These are particularly heavy and loaded with energy; thus, this radiation is also called heavy ion therapy. HIT is one of a few centers worldwide offering heavy ion therapy. The biological effectiveness of carbon ions is even greater than that of protons and is used for certain types of cancer.
Both proton and carbon ion therapy are performed at the same radiation facility (only the particle/ion type that is accelerated and directed at the tumor differ).
Since 2009, this highly effective yet safe radiation therapy has been offered at Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT for short) for certain cancer types, as the first European Center.
In some cases, ion therapy is the best possible therapy, because it is particularly effective and can be directed with high precision, causing few side effects.
HIT is closely connected (in location as well as organization) to the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) at Heidelberg University Hospital, the first Comprehensive Cancer Center and thus, a leading oncological center in Germany. For all cancers, almost all state-of-the-art and diverse innovative treatment methods are available.
For complex situations, interdisciplinary teams of experts develop the appropriate treatment strategy for each patient. If needed, combined chemotherapy can be offered in the adjacent buildings of the Children's Hospital or the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT). For further treatment needs, experts of more than 40 medical departments at Heidelberg University Hospital are available.
To check whether you are a candidate for treatment at HIT, our medical experts require some information from you. Please provide the following information quickly and securely over our telemedicine portal:
Additional information regarding this process can be found here.
Costs are calculated on a case by case basis, since they depend on the individual treatment plan. After submission of your documents, we can create a cost plan.
An appointment will generally be obtained within 2-3 weeks.
Fundamentally, ion radiation therapy has hardly any side effects. Rarely, some side effects typical of radiation therapy occur, and that depends on the body region that is irradiated. Possible side effects include fatigue, local skin lesions, and mucous membrane irritation.
No. There are many diseases or situations in which photon radiation is sufficient or even superior. Ion therapy is clearly superior only in some diseases. The choice of which radiation therapy is best is made on an individual case basis.
You will find more information on further radiation therapy offers at Heidelberg University Hospital here.
Proton therapy is preferred especially for specific cancer types in children, since surrounding healthy tissue is maximally spared. Thus, growth and development deficits as well as the development of further tumors can be prevented.
In infants and small children, depending on the age, radiation is only possible under anesthesia (twilight sleep / no general anesthesia) because they must remain completely still. Even with positioning assistance, this can often still not be obtained with children. Daily anesthesia is performed by experienced anesthesiologists and with the least possible amount of medications given. Treatment takes place in close collaboration with the Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Immunology. Because the children may not have breakfast, these treatments are always performed first in the morning. Children like to bring a stuffed animal for comforting.
A Publication list for Ion Research at Heidelberg University Hospital can be found here.
Latest News | 16.07.2021
European Physical Society (EPS) awarded the IBA-Europhysics Prize to Prof. Thomas Haberer for his scientific and technical contribution in the development of Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center. The treatment with Ion radiation more precis, more effective than...
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Patient Stories & Interviews | 01.02.2020
At the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT) for Children and Adolescents (so called KinderHIT), Dr. Harrabi is treating children and teenagers with certain tumor diseases together with specialists in pediatric oncology.
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Patient Stories & Interviews | 01.02.2020
Diagnosis adenoid cystic carcinoma: Mrs. Rosenow tells her story about keeping her voice thanks to carbon ion therapy at the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT).
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Image Gallery | 01.12.2019
Charged particles are accelerated to up to three quarters of the speed of light before they are precisely directed into the tumor.
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