A New Choice for Precision Cancer Treatment: Clinical Cases of Carbon Ion Therapy

I. Core Advantages and Characteristics of Carbon Ion Therapy

As an important type of heavy ion radiotherapy, carbon ion therapy possesses the dual core advantages of "precision killing + high-efficiency anti-cancer." Its characteristics are mainly reflected in three aspects:

• High biological effectiveness (high RBE value), capable of precisely destroying tumor cell DNA double strands, resulting in more significant killing effects on refractory tumors (such as pancreatic cancer, some lymphomas) that are insensitive to traditional radiotherapy.
• Precise dose distribution, utilizing the "Bragg peak" physical characteristic to concentrate high doses on the tumor lesion, minimizing radiation damage to surrounding normal tissues (such as blood vessels, internal organs) to the greatest extent.
• Short treatment cycle; compared to traditional photon radiotherapy, carbon ion therapy delivers higher single doses and requires fewer total treatment sessions (typically around 14 sessions), significantly shortening the patient's treatment cycle and reducing the physical burden during treatment.

II. Clinical Case Sharing

Case 1: Patient Su with Malignant Tumor of the Pancreatic Body
Brief Medical History: Patient Su, female, 59 years old, admitted primarily due to "discovery of pancreatic cancer 4 months ago, after 6 cycles of chemotherapy." Abdominal MRI from The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University in January 2025 showed: Hypovascular occupying lesion in the pancreatic body (5.1*4.1cm), accompanied by atrophy of the pancreatic body and tail, mild dilation of the pancreatic duct. The lesion encased the main portal vein, celiac trunk, and superior mesenteric artery, with compression and narrowing of the celiac trunk, leading to occlusion of the portal vein and splenic vein with collateral circulation formation. Considered pancreatic cancer, possibly accompanied by metastasis to the left side of the portal vein and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Subsequently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic mass biopsy was performed: (Pancreas) Microscopic examination of submitted tissue showed hemorrhage and inflammatory exudate, with only scattered, very few glands showing mild atypia. Please correlate clinically and resubmit if necessary. Pathology consultation at Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital: (Pancreatic mass) Puncture: Fragmented glands seen in inflammatory exudate. Pathological diagnosis from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (Pathology E2025-00115) on 2025-01-20: Aden epithelial cells seen, some cells with moderate to high-grade atypia, along with scattered abnormal cells and inflammatory necrosis, suggestive of adenocarcinoma. After definitive diagnosis, the patient was treated at our hospital. Carbon ion radiotherapy for malignant tumor of the pancreatic body began on 2025-06-12, with total dose: PTV: 41.4Gy(RBE)/9Fx, PTVboost: 13.8Gy(RBE)/3Fx. Concurrent chemotherapy with "Gemcitabine (1000mg/m²) intravenous drip, days 1, 8, 15, Q4W" was initiated on 2025-06-13.
2. Imaging Comparison

                                  2025-05-30                          2025-10-16

Case 2: Patient Ding with Malignant Tumor of the Duodenum
Brief Medical History: Patient Ding, male, 65 years old, Chief Complaint: Discovery of malignant tumor of the duodenum 3 weeks ago. On August 28, 2024, abdominal + pelvic CT at Xi'an Ninth Hospital suggested: Consider occupying lesion in the descending part of the duodenum (size approx. 5.3×4.1×4.6cm); scattered enlarged lymph nodes around the lesion and in the retroperitoneum (size approx. 1.8×1.9). Pathological results suggested: Malignant tumor of the duodenum. On September 18, 2024, ultrasound endoscopy-guided puncture biopsy at our hospital showed: (Descending part of duodenum) Malignant tumor, based on morphological changes and immunohistochemistry results, mostly considered ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Definitive diagnosis: Malignant tumor of the duodenum, ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma, IPI score 1 point, Lugano stage IIE, Ann Arbor stage IIE, TNM stage for gastrointestinal lymphoma (Paris classification) IIE; KPS score: 90. Carbon ion therapy began on 2024-09-30: PTV: 40Gy(RBE)/10Fx. One cycle of XELOX regimen systemic intravenous chemotherapy was administered on 2024-09-23, specific medication: Oxaliplatin (130mg/m²) 244mg ivgtt d1 + Capecitabine tablets (800mg/m²) 1.5g po Bid d1-14 Q3W. One cycle of CHP regimen systemic intravenous chemotherapy + Brentuximab Vedotin targeted therapy was administered on 2024-10-17, specific medication: Cyclophosphamide (750mg/m²) 1300mg ivgtt d1 + Doxorubicin (40mg/m²) 70mg ivgtt d1 + Prednisone 100mg po d1-5 Q3W + Brentuximab Vedotin (1.8mg/kg) 100mg ivgtt d1 Q3W.
2. Imaging Comparison

              2024-09-20                                                2025-10-16

Summary

With its advantages of precision, high efficiency, and low damage, carbon ion therapy has become an important breakthrough direction in the treatment of refractory abdominal and pelvic tumors (such as pancreatic cancer, duodenal lymphoma). Relying on a professional team, advanced equipment, and rich clinical experience, the Sixth Department of Radiotherapy at Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital has accumulated significant efficacy in the field of carbon ion therapy, not only bringing hope for survival to treated patients but also opening new treatment pathways for more patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer through clinical research. If you or someone you know meets the recruitment criteria for clinical studies, you can consult and register through the methods mentioned in the text, joining hands with the professional team to fight against tumors and embark on a journey of recovery hope.

Free Clinical Study Recruitment

Our department is conducting a Phase II clinical study on "Heavy Ion Radiotherapy Combined with Gemcitabine Concurrent Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer." This study utilizes internationally advanced heavy ion radiotherapy technology combined with Gemcitabine chemotherapy, aiming to improve the control rate and long-term survival rate of locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Why Choose Our Clinical Trial?

Internationally Leading Heavy Ion Radiotherapy Technology

Heavy ion radiotherapy has higher biological effectiveness (RBE value), enabling precise killing of tumor cells while maximizing protection of surrounding normal tissues. Studies have shown that heavy ion radiotherapy is more effective than traditional photon radiotherapy in treating pancreatic cancer.

Combination with Gemcitabine Chemotherapy

Gemcitabine, as a standard chemotherapy drug for pancreatic cancer, when used in combination with heavy ion radiotherapy, can produce synergistic effects, further improving treatment efficacy.

Professional Team Ensuring Safety and Efficacy

Our research team consists of experienced oncology experts, relying on the Wuwei Heavy Ion Treatment Facility for Tumors to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

Comprehensive Patient Care

We will provide you with detailed condition assessment, personalized treatment plans, and full-course follow-up services to ensure you receive the best medical care during the treatment process.

Recruitment Criteria

· Age between 18-70 years;

· Pathologically diagnosed with pancreatic cancer;

· Meets the criteria for locally advanced pancreatic cancer, no distant metastasis, maximum tumor diameter ≤6cm;

· No previous local treatments such as surgery, particle implantation, etc.;

· Good general condition, no organ function limitations, able to tolerate this treatment;

· Voluntary participation in the study, able to cooperate to complete treatment and follow-up.

Participation Benefits

· Free receipt of radical heavy ion radiotherapy (one treatment field: 198,000 RMB) and subsequent treatment plan formulation;

· Enjoy the full tracking and treatment by a professional medical team.

How to Register?

If you meet the above criteria and are interested in participating in this study, please consult and register through the following methods:

· Hotline: 13519351968

· Contact: Director Chen Weizuo

· Address: Sixth Department of Radiotherapy, 1st Floor, Building 5, Heavy Ion Center, Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital

Recruitment Deadline

Recruitment closes after 30 participants are enrolled.

Clinical Trial Background

Pancreatic cancer is a cancer with an extremely high fatality rate, onset is unseen. About one-third of patients are diagnosed at the locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) stage. The results of photon radiotherapy in locally unresectable pancreatic cancer are still not ideal. Heavy ions have a higher RBE value compared to protons, showing better overall survival rates. We hope that through this study, utilizing the physical and biological advantages of heavy ions, we can improve the control rate and long-term survival rate of LAPC.

Join Us, Embark on a Journey of Hope!

Do not give up hope,

Join our clinical trial,

Let us work together to overcome pancreatic cancer!

Introduction to the Sixth Department of Radiotherapy

● Department Overview

The Sixth Department of Radiotherapy is a specialized unit for pancreatic cancer heavy ion treatment and abdominal/pelvic tumor heavy ion treatment, focusing on heavy ion therapy for pancreatic cancer, as well as heavy ion and photon radiotherapy for abdominal/pelvic tumors such as liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. Since its opening, pancreatic cancer patients from across the country have sought treatment here, enabling patients to accurately kill pancreatic cancer cells without pain, surgery, or damage. Dozens of pancreatic cancer patients from all over the country have been treated, with a 1-year local control rate as high as over 90%, and median survival time increased from the traditional 11 months to 19 months. The efficacy is definite, patient treatment experience is good, and the treatment results have been fully recognized by renowned domestic and international experts and the majority of patients.

● Professional Team

Team members are all graduates of well-known domestic medical schools, possessing solid medical theoretical foundations and rich clinical practical experience. The department specially appoints Professor Hao Fei from Germany, Professor Tsujii H from Japan, Professor Ren Yimin from Taiwan, Professor Wu Jiaming, and other experts to guide work, conduct difficult case consultations, academic lectures, and departmental rounds. Department staff have completed training and studies at several well-known domestic heavy ion and photon treatment centers, possessing rich experience in heavy ion treatment and able to formulate scientific and reasonable treatment plans for patients.

● Treatment Scope

The department primarily focuses on heavy ion treatment for pancreatic cancer, while also conducting heavy ion and photon treatment for abdominal/pelvic tumors such as liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer, providing patients with professional radiotherapy and personalized comprehensive cancer treatment services.

Introduction to Department Experts

Chen Weizuo

Director, Sixth Department of Radiotherapy, Heavy Ion Center, Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital

Deputy Chief Physician

Gansu "Longyuan Youth Elite"

Director, Chinese Nuclear Society Branch for Brachytherapy and Intelligent Radiotherapy

Member, Youth Branch of Western Radiotherapy Association

Member, Ion Radiotherapy Branch of China Medical Equipment Association

Member, CRTOG Radioimmunology IR Youth Committee

Member, Youth Committee of Gastric Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Professional Committee of Gansu Anti-Cancer Association

Member, Radiotherapy Professional Committee of Wuwei Medical Association

Presided over 1 project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences "Western Light" Talent Training Program; 2 talent projects of Gansu Provincial Party Committee Organization Department "Longyuan Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship".

Published 11 SCI papers, 5 Chinese core journal papers. Holds 2 national invention patents, 3 utility model patents. Invention patent won the gold award at the "National Invention Exhibition".