I recently spent time with the team at the Proton Therapy Centre in Singapore and had the opportunity to see firsthand the incredible passion they bring to their work. It was reassuring to experience how genuinely patient-focused their approach is, particularly for people facing rare or complex cancers. The individuals I met were truly outstanding.
While I don’t have a clinical background, I have immersed myself in supportive care for people living with sarcoma for almost a decade. That experience makes it easy to recognise gold-standard, patient-centred care when you see it. This is a first-class facility, and it’s reassuring to know that proton therapy is no longer only an option in the United States — it is now available much closer to home in Singapore.
For those wanting to learn more, here is an information page created specifically for Australian patients:
https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/proton-therapy-singapore-au.html
Tania Rice-Brading Co Founder & Supportive Care Coordinator
What Is Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation treatment that uses proton beams instead of traditional X-rays. The main difference lies in how the radiation behaves once it enters the body.
With conventional radiation, X-rays continue travelling through tissue beyond the tumour. Proton therapy allows most of the radiation dose to be delivered directly to the tumour, with minimal exit dose beyond it. This can help reduce radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
This level of precision can be particularly helpful when a tumour is located close to important organs or structures, or when reducing potential long-term side effects is a priority. Decisions about proton therapy must be made in consultation with your treating clinical team, who can assess whether it is appropriate for your individual situation.
How Proton Therapy Relates to Sarcoma
Sarcomas often develop in parts of the body where critical structures such as nerves, blood vessels, organs, or bones are located close to the tumour. This can make radiation treatment more complex.
In some cases, proton therapy may be considered because of its ability to limit radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissue. Any consideration of proton therapy should occur as part of a broader treatment discussion with the patient’s treating specialists.
Proton therapy may be an option for some sarcoma patients, including:
Children, adolescents and young adults (AYA), where minimising long-term side effects is especially important
Tumours in complex or sensitive locations, such as the spine, skull base, pelvis, or head and neck
Recurrent sarcoma, particularly if the area has previously received radiation
Tumours close to critical structures, where preserving function is a key consideration
Proton therapy is not necessary or suitable for every sarcoma case. Suitability is determined on an individual basis by the treating clinical team, taking into account tumour location, overall treatment goals, and the patient’s specific needs.
Access for Australian Patients
Proton therapy is not currently available in Australia. In the past, Australians who were advised by their clinical teams to explore this treatment option often travelled to the United States.
Proton therapy is now available in Singapore at the Mount Elizabeth Proton Therapy Centre, providing a closer international option for Australian patients.
Patients and families who wish to explore whether proton therapy may be appropriate can request an information session or a preliminary assessment directly with the clinical team in Singapore. This should be done in parallel with discussions with the patient’s treating team in Australia. A referral is not required to make an initial enquiry.
For enquiries:
WhatsApp: 0488 726 203
Email: info.au@ihhhealthcare.com
Website: https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/proton-therapy-singapore-au.html