News Release

～First Heavy Ion Therapy System in the Middle East～

Kawasaki, Japan — Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba) has received an order for a heavy-ion therapy system^*1 from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group and a leading multidisciplinary hospital in complex care at the heart of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This marks the first installation of a heavy ion therapy system in the Middle East^*2.

The system includes one treatment room equipped with a rotating gantry^*3 and one horizontally-fixed beam treatment room. Leveraging Toshiba's latest advances, the system incorporates cutting-edge high-speed scanning irradiation technology, and a compact rotating gantry equipped with superconducting magnets. The system will initially use a carbon ion source, but its design allows for future expansion to a multi-ion source.  

The UAE Government prioritizes high quality healthcare as a cornerstone of its economic growth strategy, with a particular emphasis on cancer treatment, including less-invasive methods like heavy-ion therapy.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, established through a collaboration between Mubadala Investment Company and Cleveland Clinic, provides world-class medical services. In 2023, it became part of M42, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East. The hospital has been exploring the development of a heavy-ion cancer treatment facility to meet increasing demand for advanced medical solutions.

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of M42 and Chairman of Clevland Clinic Abu Dhabi, highlighted the importance of this partnership for the UAE and cancer patients, stating: "M42's partnership with Toshiba is a significant step that reinforces our commitment to reshaping the future of global health through cutting-edge innovations and technologies. By introducing heavy ion therapy to the Middle East, we are not only enhancing Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's oncology capabilities, but also plugging a critical gap in cancer treatment options for people in the region. With no other heavy ion radiotherapy center within a five-hour flight radius of Abu Dhabi, this advanced, accurate and effective form of radiation therapy gives hope to cancer sufferers in the region."

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasized the hospital's commitment to advancing cancer care, stating: "At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we are committed to our mission to bring the world's most advanced cancer treatment modalities to our patients. The introduction of Toshiba's heavy ion therapy is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in oncology. By integrating this groundbreaking technology into our comprehensive cancer care program, we are not only elevating treatment outcomes but also transforming lives, offering renewed hope to patients facing the most complex and challenging cancer diagnoses. This milestone solidifies our position as a global leader in personalized, patient-centered oncology care, setting a new benchmark for the region and beyond."

Toshiba, in collaboration with Japan's National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), stands in the forefront of heavy ion therapy system development. In 2016, the company delivered the world's first compact and lightweight heavy ion rotating gantry to QST's facility in Chiba, Japan. This was followed by the development of the Yamagata Model, which was developed for Yamagata University and had an even more compact rotating gantry, which is also installed and treating patients at Yonsei University in South Korea. The proven performance of Toshiba's heavy ion-therapy systems, along with its cutting-edge technological capabilities, played a key role in securing this latest order.

Tsutomu Takeuchi, Director, Vice President for Power Systems Division of Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation commented: "Toshiba has been at the forefront of heavy-ion therapy system development, working alongside leading research institutions to refine our technology. This system, featuring our advanced high-speed scanning irradiation and superconducting rotating gantry, represents a breakthrough in precision cancer treatment. We are proud to bring this state-of-the-art solution to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, enabling more patients to benefit from highly targeted and effective treatment."

Toshiba will continue to promote its heavy-ion therapy systems, and to contribute to advancing high quality cancer therapy.

• A type of radiation therapy that accelerates carbon ions to about 70% of the speed of light to form carbon-ion beams (heavy particle beams) and that irradiates cancer tumors from outside the body. Heavy-ion beams are less likely to spread in the body and can be pinpointed to focus on cancerous tumors, and are thus less likely to damage normal surrounding cells. In addition, the therapy has a greater capability to destroy cancer cell genes than other types of radiation, and is recognized as a treatment method that facilitates early rehabilitation while imposing fewer physical burdens on patients.
• Toshiba's research, April 2025
• Since the irradiation angle can be freely set through 360 degrees, cancer tumors can be irradiated from an optimum angle while the patient maintains a comfortable position. In addition, by combining the low scattering characteristics of heavy ion beams with scanning irradiation technology, it is possible to avoid healthy tissues and protect organs, and to concentrate the radiation dose delivered to tumors.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was established in 2006 under an agreement between Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala) and the Cleveland Clinic in the United States. The hospital was founded to support the Abu Dhabi government's "Economic Vision 2030 (PDF)(4.48MB)" by advancing a robust, world-class healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In April 2023, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi joined M42, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East.

Photo courtesy of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi