The advanced technology of ion beam therapy offers a uniquely gentle and precise treatment option for various tumor diseases. Among the few centers worldwide providing this therapy, the Marburg Ion Beam Therapy Center (MIT) at the University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg (UKGM) stands out for its ability to offer both proton and heavy ion irradiation with carbon.
This innovative therapy causes DNA damage to tumor cells in the target area, leading to cell death and tumor eradication when the damage becomes irreparable. Since its establishment in 2015, MIT has treated its 2,500th oncology patient in April 2024, with the number of patients steadily increasing.
The exceptional capabilities of ion beam therapy are drawing interest from abroad, with MIT receiving a surge in inquiries from tumor patients worldwide. Each case is meticulously evaluated by Prof. Dr. Sebastian Adeberg and his team to determine if treatment at MIT would be beneficial. Additionally, national specialists are increasingly recommending ion beam therapy to their patients.
What sets this treatment apart is its ability to deliver precise and gentle therapy, particularly beneficial for tumors deeply situated or surrounded by sensitive tissue. Particle therapy optimally protects organs at risk and is suitable for relatively radioresistant tumors near critical structures. Children benefit from reduced dose exposure and lower associated risks.
Boost therapy, supplementing conventional photon irradiation with particle therapy, is beneficial for certain tumor types. MIT operates within a comprehensive oncology center at UKGM, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to treatment decisions.
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Adeberg emphasizes MIT’s ability to treat tumors effectively while safeguarding healthy tissue. Ion beam therapy employs charged ions, such as protons and carbon ions, to precisely target tumor tissue with minimal impact on surrounding areas. Carbon ions, in particular, offer higher biological effectiveness, making them more effective against certain tumors.
MIT’s expertise extends to various tumor types, including brain, head and neck, paranasal sinuses, paranasal sinus carcinomas, pancreatic cancer, retroperitoneal sarcoma, and tumor recurrences.
