Apollo Hospitals has signed a Rs 400-crore deal with Belgian company Ion Beam Applications (IBA) for an advanced technology in cancer treatment.

The hospital group plans to bring in proton radiation therapy, which promises to be “more powerful and precise” in targeting tumours, compared to the existing arc therapy and X-ray beams. The proton (a sub-atomic particle) beam spares healthy tissues by attacking only a controlled range, said the company. This technology is specifically designed for paediatric surgeries and delicate areas such as the eye and the brain.

A proton therapy centre will be set up in Chennai (on Old Mahabalipuram Road) by engineering firm L&T. The centre, housed in Apollo’s upcoming hospital, is expected to start operations by 2015.

IBA, which has over 25 years of experience in this field, has 25 such centres globally. Hospitals such as Mayo and MD Anderson have adopted proton therapy.

Besides providing the equipment, IBA will also offer operation and maintenance services for 13 years.

While proton treatment costs Rs 1.5 crore in the US, it will cost Rs 30 lakh at Apollo, said C. Prathap Reddy, Chairman. “With 3 million people suffering from cancer in India, we will strive towards bringing down the cost.” (Existing radiation treatment costs Rs 3-5 lakh).

“At present , the survival rate post cancer treatment is around 40 per cent. With proton therapy, we want to increase it to 60 per cent,” said Reddy.

Apollo intends to focus on oncology treatment in the coming years. It has already invested in technologies such as Cyberknife and robotic surgery.

Apollo has oncology units in Chennai, Madurai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Delhi and Bangalore. It is setting up similar units in Bilaspur, Tiruchi and Bhubaneswar.

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