P-Cure Achieves Historic Conversion of Linear Accelerator into Proton Therapy Center
P-Cure's Groundbreaking Achievement in Proton Therapy
In a remarkable advancement for cancer treatment, P-Cure has successfully converted a traditional medical linear accelerator (LINAC) facility into the world's very first compact proton therapy center. This groundbreaking project, announced on February 26, 2026, represents a pivotal moment in the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of proton therapy, a highly precise form of radiotherapy.
P-Cure, recognized as a leader in compact proton therapy solutions, has already produced significant clinical results with its pioneering technology. The facility, situated at the Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center (SPHIC) in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai, has been operational for nearly three years. In alliance with Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, P-Cure has effectively demonstrated the clinical viability of its innovative gantry-less system, which provides treatments for patients in an upright position.
The venture is noteworthy, as it deviates from the conventional requirement of constructing expansive, state-of-the-art facilities to house proton therapy systems. Instead, P-Cure's strategy was to retrofit an existing radiotherapy bunker. This refreshingly viable approach not only signifies a potential transformation within the industry but also showcases a faster, more economical method for hospitals looking to modernize their oncology services.
Transforming Traditional Spaces
Historically, the introduction of proton therapy into existing healthcare infrastructures has been challenging due to the high capital investments and the need for specialized construction. However, the Shanghai project illustrates that next-generation cancer treatments can indeed be integrated into already established hospital footprints. The task at hand involved renovating a basement-level room housing a linear accelerator to create a purpose-built proton therapy treatment space.
P-Cure's Proton Therapy System (PPTS), characterized by its compact and innovative design, significantly enhances the performance and adaptability of proton therapy solutions. Not only does it provide diverse treatment modes—including both seated and supine positions—but it also maintains the accuracy and precision beneficial for optimum patient outcomes through advanced pencil beam scanning technology. This innovation minimizes the overall spatial requirements while retaining all the advantages associated with traditional proton therapy.
Meeting Challenges with Innovation
Converting an existing LINAC room wasn't without its obstacles. The project team was confronted with unique challenges, such as navigating complex structural stress variations and integrating sophisticated mechanical systems into a limited operational space. The constraints included managing demolition and structural enlargements while simultaneously upgrading the radiation shielding necessary for safety and compliance.
Despite these hurdles, P-Cure’s dedicated team successfully completed all required renovations. Their effort culminated in a fully operational proton therapy suite, encompassing all essential components: an accelerator vault, a treatment room, necessary entrance mazes, and a dedicated control room, among other critical areas.
Michael Marash, CEO of P-Cure, commented on the achievement, noting, "This project exemplifies the potential of merging cutting-edge technology with practical clinical and engineering strategies. By repurposing a standard LINAC facility into a top-tier proton therapy center, we are paving the way for more hospitals to offer highly precise, patient-centric treatment solutions."
P-Cure's advancements offer significant promise for future healthcare innovations. As Zhiguang Wang, the General Manager of P-Cure China, elaborated, the efforts made in establishing the Shanghai center reflect a broader trend towards compact and scalable treatment modalities that meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare establishments.
Setting a New Standard
Now that the extensive installation has reached completion, the facility is primed for system commissioning and clinical validation stages. This development not only serves as a model for healthcare providers seeking to enhance their oncology care delivery but also illustrates that advanced radiation therapy does not need to be limited to massive, single-purpose facilities.
The completion of this proton therapy center stands as a testament to P-Cure's commitment to pursuing innovative solutions that make high-quality care more accessible to patients around the world. This project fundamentally contributes to establishing a replicable and scalable model for future proton therapy facilities, thereby ensuring that the multitude of benefits associated with advanced radiotherapy will be available to a wider patient demographic, fulfilling a critical need in cancer care worldwide.
About P-Cure
P-Cure is a clinical-stage oncology company leading in the development of compact, cost-effective proton therapy systems. Focused on optimizing patient treatment experiences with its upright and gantry-less designs, P-Cure is determined to make the most precise forms of radiation therapy accessible to hospitals globally.
About Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center (SPHIC)
The SPHIC stands at the forefront of particle therapy innovations, marked as the first facility in China to routinely employ heavy particle therapy. The addition of P-Cure's state-of-the-art system fortifies its reputation as a leader in modern oncological research and patient treatment solutions.