Filling Multiple Gaps in Gansu and Boosting Provincial Economic and Social Development

—Celebrating the First Anniversary of the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital

Editor's Note: One year of dedicated efforts has forged brilliance, and forging ahead with determination opens a new chapter. Since its commissioning on November 15, 2024, under the precise guidance of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital, the center has demonstrated pioneering innovation and a commitment to medical excellence, achieving leapfrog development in regional cancer treatment. It has filled multiple medical gaps in Gansu, establishing a new milestone for high-end medical development in western China: the successful implementation of heavy ion precision therapy has ended the era where Gansu cancer patients had to travel outside the province for treatment. Breakthroughs have been made in treating refractory high-grade gliomas, stage III locally advanced lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and other malignancies, with some core treatment indicators surpassing international photon therapy standards, bringing new hope to critically ill patients. A full-chain service system covering diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and research has been established, filling the long-standing gap in high-end cancer diagnosis and treatment in western China, allowing patients in Gansu and the northwest region to access internationally synchronized precision treatment services close to home. Relying on a heavy ion treatment system supported by independent core technology, the center has become the only medical institution in the world operating two such systems, successfully filling the gap in the independent application of high-end medical equipment in the province and breaking free from technological dependence on foreign equipment, showcasing China's independent innovation capabilities in high-end medical equipment. Multiple original technical specifications have been incorporated into industry reference standards, filling the gap in the independent formulation of cancer treatment standards in the province and promoting the leapfrog development of heavy ion therapy in China from technological implementation to standard leadership. With its exceptional diagnostic and treatment level, the center has attracted international patients, establishing a high-level international diagnosis and academic exchange platform, filling the gap in cross-border particle therapy technology exchange and services in the province, and enhancing Gansu's medical influence globally. Over the past year, the center has provided outpatient services to over 7,000 patients, admitted 1,200 inpatients, and successfully performed heavy ion therapy on nearly 200 patients. Its services have reached 27 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across China, with over 70% of patients coming from outside Gansu. It has become an important benchmark for the promotion and application of heavy ion therapy technology in China, contributing Gansu's answer to the Healthy China initiative with its robust medical capabilities.

On November 7, the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital celebrated the important milestone of its first anniversary. Over 300 top domestic and international experts in the field of medical heavy ion therapy gathered in Lanzhou, the "Golden City," to discuss directions for technological innovation, witness the achievements of this "national treasure," and chart the future development blueprint for the industry.

Distinguished leaders and experts from Beijing attending the meeting included: Liu Chunsheng, former Party Committee Secretary and Chairman of China Nuclear Energy Industry Corporation, and member of the Strategic Advisory Committee of China National Nuclear Corporation; Yu Jianfu, former Secretary-General and Deputy Party Secretary of the Chinese Nuclear Society, and Chairman of the Strategic Advisory Committee of China National Nuclear Corporation; Liu Feng, Researcher at the Patent Examination Cooperation Center of the Patent Office, CNIPA, Senior Patent Examination Expert, Executive Director and General Manager of Beijing Guozhi Chuangtuo Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Beijing Center; Zhang Wei, Assistant Researcher at the Patent Examination Cooperation Center of the Patent Office, CNIPA, Patent Examination Expert, and Director of the Comprehensive Management Department of Beijing Guozhi Chuangtuo Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Beijing Center; Song Zhengchao, President of Beijing Shi Aikang Health Technology Co., Ltd.; and Professor Wei Junmin, President and Editor-in-Chief of the Chinese Medical Association Journal Press.

Leaders and experts from the Peking University series included: Professor Fu Wei, Deputy Party Secretary and President of Peking University Third Hospital; Professor Shen Wenjiang, Lifetime Honorary Professor and Chief Physician of the Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Health Science Center; Professor Gu Yun, former Deputy Party Secretary of Peking University Health Science Center; Professor Qu Ang, Associate Chief Physician of the Radiotherapy Department, Peking University Third Hospital; Professor Zhao Tiandi, Chief Technologist of the Radiotherapy Department, Peking University Third Hospital; Professor Tian Suqing, Head of the Head and Neck Section of the Radiotherapy Department, Peking University Third Hospital; Professor Jiang Weijuan, Attending Physician of the Radiation Oncology Department, Peking University Third Hospital; and Professor Professor Li Xuemin, Attending Physician of the Radiation Oncology Department, Peking University Third Hospital.

Other nationally renowned experts specially invited to the academic conference included: Professor Fan Ruitai, Chief Physician of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Professor Ma Changying, Deputy Director of the Oncology Radiotherapy Branch of the Heilongjiang Medical Association, Director of the Qiqihar Oncology Radiotherapy Branch, Director of the Oncology Research Office, and Director of the Radiotherapy Department at Qiqihar First Hospital; Professor Lan Shengmin, Chief Physician of the Radiotherapy Department at Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital; Professor Guo Feng, Associate Chief Physician, Medical Doctor, and Master's Supervisor at the Xuzhou Cancer Hospital in Jiangsu Province; Professor Yu Zhilong, former Director and Chief Physician of the Radiotherapy Department at the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University; Professor Yang Yiping, Honorary President of the Radiotherapy Hospital at Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital; Professor Zhen Peng, Vice President of Chifeng Cancer Hospital in Inner Mongolia, Deputy Director of the Chifeng University Oncology Research Institute, and Chief Physician; Professor Liu Qiufang, former Director of the Radiotherapy Department at Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, First-Grade Chief Physician, and Master's Supervisor; and Professor Zhang Kuan, Director, Chief Physician, and Master's Supervisor of the Oncology Department at Qinghai Red Cross Hospital.

Prominent experts from Gansu Province included: Professor Zhao Da, Chief Expert of the Oncology Department at the First Hospital of Lanzhou University; Professor Gao Liying, Chief Expert and Chief Physician of the Radiotherapy Center at Gansu Provincial Central Hospital; Professor Sun Pengfei, Director, Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, and Clinical Medical Doctor of the Radiotherapy Department at the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University; Professor Mi Denghai, former President of the Gansu Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Counselor of the Gansu Provincial People's Government, and First-Grade Chief Physician; Professor Zhao Mingfang, Chief Physician of the Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine; Professor Cao Jingyu, disciple of nationally renowned TCM expert Pei Zhengxue, Associate Professor at Gansu Health Vocational College, and Vice President of the Pei Zhengxue Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute; Professor Wang Lanying, Renowned TCM Expert of Gansu Province, Professor, Chief Physician, and Master's Supervisor at Gansu University of Chinese Medicine; Professor Tian Zhongze, Director of the Radiotherapy Department at the 940th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force and Master's Supervisor; Professor Zheng Changcai, Director and Associate Chief Physician of the Radiotherapy Center at Gansu Provincial Central Hospital; Professor Luo Hongtao, Medical Doctor, Chief Physician, Associate Researcher, and Master's Supervisor at Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Professor Zhang Chunlin, Deputy Director of the Cancer Radiotherapy Research Center and Director of the First Ward at Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital; Professor Liu Xiaojun, Medical Doctor, Chief Physician, and Master's Supervisor at Gansu Provincial People's Hospital; Professor Song Feixue, Director and Chief Physician of the Oncology Department at the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University; Professor Du Lanning, Chief Physician of the Oncology Department at the First Hospital of Lanzhou University; and Professor Ran Juntao, Medical Doctor, Chief Physician, Associate Professor, and Master's Supervisor at the First Hospital of Lanzhou University.

Leaders and experts from the Institute of Modern Physics and Taiji Company included: Researcher Xiao Guoqing, former Director of the Lanzhou Branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Comrade Song Hualong, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of the Institute of Modern Physics; and Comrade Li Peng, Chief Engineer of Taiji Company.

Also present were scholars and experts from the national medical industry, representatives of cooperative enterprises, all hospital leaders and employee representatives of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital, and friends from various news media. During the meeting, the special issue on heavy ion therapy for cancer of the Chinese Medical Association's "Health World" magazine was released.

At this academic symposium, top industry experts gathered to share insights and deliver remarkable reports: Professor Wang Junjie, Director of the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Gansu Wuwei Tumor Hospital, presented "Brachytherapy and Ablation"; Professor Ye Yancheng, President of Gansu Wuwei Tumor Hospital, presented "Evaluation of Clinical Application Effects of Heavy Ion Innovation Technology"; Professor Ma Lin, Chief Physician of the Radiation Oncology Department at the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, presented "Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma"; Professor Zeng Zhaochong, Chief Physician, Second-Level Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor at Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University, presented "Interpretation of Radiotherapy in the Standard Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer"; Professor Li Jian, Chief Physician of the Thoracic Surgery Department at Peking University First Hospital, presented "Exploration of True Classification, Staging, Optimal Treatment, and Evaluation of Lung Cancer"; Professor Jiang Ping, Chief Physician, Associate Professor, and Master's Supervisor of the Radiation Oncology Department at Peking University Third Hospital, presented "Progress in the CC Series of Studies on Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer"; Professor Chen Nianyong, Director of the Radiation Oncology Department and Director of the Cancer Treatment and Immunology Laboratory at West China Hospital of Sichuan University, presented "Research on Flash Radiotherapy Technology and Applications"; Professor Feng Qinfu of the Radiation Oncology Department at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences presented "Discussion on Target Areas and Planning for Heavy Ion Therapy in Lung Cancer"; Professor Zhang Hongzhi, Deputy Director and Chief Physician of the Radiation Oncology Department at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, presented "Innovative Technology Leading Changes in Radiotherapy Models"; Professor Zhang Yanshan, Vice President of Gansu Wuwei Tumor Hospital, presented "Heavy Ion Therapy for Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer"; Professor Zhang Qiuning, Deputy Director of the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Gansu Wuwei Tumor Hospital, Researcher, Chief Physician, and Doctoral Supervisor, presented "Progress in Key Clinical Application Technologies of Domestic Heavy Ion Cancer Therapy"; Professor Li Xiaojun, Deputy Director of the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Gansu Wuwei Tumor Hospital, presented "Clinical Practice and Research of Lanzhou Heavy Ion Therapy"; Professor Zhang Yingdong, Director of the Third Radiation Oncology Department and Chief Physician at the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center of Gansu Wuwei Tumor Hospital, presented "Case Sharing of Carbon Ion Radiotherapy."

Over the past year, the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Gansu Wuwei Tumor Hospital has prioritized discipline construction, simultaneously improving equipment configuration and talent development to lay a solid foundation for high-quality development. The outpatient department has established specialized clinics, such as a special needs clinic for renowned Beijing experts and a traditional Chinese medicine master studio. The inpatient department has set up four heavy ion and photon radiotherapy departments alongside multidisciplinary comprehensive units, creating a distinctive and comprehensive discipline system. The medical technology departments are equipped with 120 advanced devices, including a GE 256-slice diagnostic CT and a United Imaging 3.0T simulation MRI. Currently, the DSA interventional operating room is about to be operational, while the nuclear medicine department and radionuclide ward are under renovation, continuously upgrading the diagnostic and treatment hardware. Talent development has achieved remarkable results, with 50 expert workstations led by top domestic authorities operating regularly. Six internationally renowned scholars from Germany, Italy, Japan, and other countries serve as guest professors, forming an elite diagnostic and treatment team that combines Chinese and Western expertise, providing solid support for the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and precise medical services.

The Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Gansu Wuwei Tumor Hospital has always adhered to its mission of serving the public, achieving dual breakthroughs in diagnostic and treatment capabilities and expanding public welfare services. In terms of diagnosis and treatment, the center has successfully treated over 50 types of malignant tumors, including lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and glioblastoma. It has implemented an online multidisciplinary consultation mechanism every Thursday with hospitals affiliated with Peking University, innovatively offering diverse technologies such as carbon ion radiotherapy, cellular immunotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation, providing patients with personalized precision treatment plans. In public welfare services, the center hosts monthly free clinics with nationally renowned experts. The "Mother River·Cancer Prevention and Treatment Public Welfare Project" covers 14 prefectures and cities in Gansu Province. The center has established expert consultation centers in more than 10 medical institutions within and outside the province and spearheaded the Gansu Heavy Ion Radiotherapy Alliance, involving 38 institutions, to promote the下沉 of high-end medical resources to grassroots levels. Meanwhile, the optimized pricing scheme (¥49,500 for the first treatment, with a cap of ¥150,000 per course) and insurance reimbursement policies have significantly reduced patients' financial burden, enabling more patients to benefit from internationally leading treatment technologies. It is reported that on November 8, the center also held a large-scale free clinic event with renowned experts to give back to society for its support and affection.

Scientific research innovation and academic exchange have become important engines for the center's development, injecting new momentum into industry progress. Relying on the "Joint Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Physics and Applications" at Northwest Normal University, the center has conducted a series of innovative studies in radiation physics and dose monitoring. It has contributed to专著 such as the "Precision Radiotherapy for Tumors: Carbon Ion Therapy Series," providing "Chinese solutions" for industry standards. Over the past year, the center has successfully hosted several national academic conferences, received visits and observations from medical institutions across multiple provinces, accepted trainees from hospitals nationwide, and engaged in in-depth technical discussions with experts from China, the UK, Canada, and other countries. It has established a high-end platform for cross-regional and transnational academic exchange, effectively promoting the dissemination and innovation of heavy ion therapy technology.

Zhang Weihong, Secretary of the Party Committee of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital

Wang Junjie, Chairperson of the Radiation Oncology Committee of the Chinese Medical Association and Director of the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital

Shen Wenjiang, Lifetime Honorary Professor and Chief Physician of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Peking University Health Science Center

Professor Fu Wei, President of Peking University Third Hospital

Wei Junmin, Director of the "Health World" Magazine of the Chinese Medical Association

After the meeting, the attending experts conducted an on-site inspection of the treatment hall and other areas, speaking highly of the center’s forward-looking planning and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment system covering the entire chain. As a core component of the globally unique dual-center collaborative model operating two heavy ion therapy systems, the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital shares the spillover effects of eight "world-first" technological achievements from the Wuwei Heavy Ion Center. Its heavy ion therapy technology functions like "targeted bombing," precisely attacking tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Additionally, leveraging its comfortable campus environment and intelligent services, the center significantly enhances the rehabilitation experience for patients.

Looking ahead, the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center will take its first anniversary of operation as a new starting point. It will focus on cutting-edge technologies such as light ion therapy and boron neutron capture therapy, continuously deepen the construction of scientific innovation platforms, attract and cultivate high-level talent, and develop industry standards. Steadily advancing toward the goal of becoming "the national regional medical center with the most comprehensive range of radiotherapy techniques in Western China," the center is transitioning from breaking international monopolies to establishing Chinese standards and from serving local patients to benefiting people worldwide. As a "Chinese benchmark," it is injecting robust Gansu strength into safeguarding human health and building a global community of health for all.

Preliminary Review: Zhang Lihong  

Final Review: Zhang Jie