Pooling global wisdom to support the high-quality development of China's heavy-ion technology

Wuwei Medical Science Research Institute, Gansu Province, September 15, 2024, 20:38, Gansu

------The second session of the international training program on the clinical application of China's carbon ion therapy system was launched at the Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province.

'Steady at the helm to forge ahead, the strong wind is the perfect time to set sail. 'On September 14th, the second session of the international training program on the clinical application of China's carbon ion therapy system was grandly launched at the Heavy Ion Therapy Center of Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province. This training program was jointly organized by the Radiological Oncology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province. The conference focused closely on key areas such as particle therapy equipment technological innovation, industry development, and clinical applications, with the goal of advancing particle therapy technology towards a new journey of high-quality development, contributing wisdom and strength to the global advancement of particle therapy.

It is reported that this training program lasts for four days. The invited lecturers include Professor Tatsuhiko Kaino from the research team of Japan's first heavy ion device HIMAC, Vice Chairman of PTCOG Xiaoming Lu, Professor Jörg Hauffe from the RPTC in Munich, Germany, Professor Tan Hong Qi, Wang Fuqiang, Lew Kah Seng, and Lee Kang Hao from the National Cancer Center of Singapore, Professor Yingqiang Huang from Duke University in Kunshan, USA, academician Jiawen Xia from the Chinese Academy of Engineering in the field of heavy ion accelerators in China, Professor Wenjiang Shen, honorary professor at Peking University Medical School, Director Wang Junjie from the Radiological Oncology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, former Chairman Yimin Ren from the Taiwan Cancer Radiotherapy Committee, and former Chief Physicist Jiaming Wu from Chang Gung Hospital in Taiwan. These well-known experts in related fields from both domestic and international backgrounds personally imparted their knowledge, injecting deep academic heritage and cutting-edge professional wisdom into the training program.

At the opening ceremony, Director Yan Cheng Ye of Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province delivered a passionate opening speech. On that day, renowned experts such as Professor Jiawen Xia from the Institute of Modern Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Junjie Wang from Peking University Third Hospital, Vice Chairman Xiaoming Lu of PTCOG, Professor Tatsuhiko Kaino from the Osaka Heavy Ion Center in Japan, Professor Tan Hong Qi from the National Cancer Center of Singapore, Professor Yingqiang Huang from Duke University in Kunshan, and Chief Physicist Jiaming Wu from Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province, among others, shared insights on the current status and future of heavy ion therapy for cancer, clinical application experiences, and technological innovations in particle therapy equipment, showcasing the latest technological achievements in the field. Together, they discussed the development trends of carbon ion therapy systems, actively exchanged experiences in discipline construction, and contributed to driving progress and development in carbon ion therapy technology.

Over the next few days, Professor Jörg Hauffe from the RPTC in Munich, Germany, Professor Wang Fuqiang from the National Cancer Center of Singapore, Professor Huang Xiaoyan from the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Professor Gao Liying, Chairman of the Radiological Oncology Branch of the Gansu Medical Association, Professor Li Sha from the 940 Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Professor Shi Jian from Lanzhou Kejintaiji New Technology Responsibility Co., Ltd., Professor Zhang Qiuning from the Institute of Modern Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Professor Ren Yimin, a specially appointed professor at Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province, will conduct in-depth training on important topics such as the verification and implementation of heavy ion therapy plans, risk and quality management in modern particle therapy, and research and practices of carbon ion therapy in various cancer treatments.

Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) is an advanced radiation therapy technique that utilizes high-energy carbon ion beams to precisely damage the DNA of tumor cells, effectively inhibiting the growth and reproduction of tumor cells. Unlike conventional radiotherapy that mainly uses photon beams (such as X-rays and gamma rays), CIRT utilizes heavy ions, especially carbon ions. Due to its unique physical and biological properties, CIRT has shown superior efficacy in treating certain specific types of tumors.

The Heavy Ion Center at Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province is the core location for the application of China's independently developed carbon ion treatment system. Since the start of construction in March 2012, the builders of the Wuwei Heavy Ion Center have faced difficulties and challenges with courage and determination, continuously accumulating rich experience in heavy ion construction, clinical applications, and operational management through perseverance. Up to now, nearly 1,500 patients have been treated and discharged. In various aspects such as clinical application of heavy ion therapy, technological development, annual number of patient treatments, treatment of key diseases, and effectiveness, the center has successfully reached the advanced level of similar international institutions, bringing new hope and vitality to cancer patients.

"Those with shared aspirations are not deterred by distance." The international training course on the clinical application of China's carbon ion therapy system has set a new benchmark and direction for exchange and cooperation in the medical field both domestically and internationally. Medical professionals from different countries and regions will work together to explore the limitless potential of carbon ion therapy systems, bringing new hope to cancer patients worldwide.

The successful hosting of this international training course holds immeasurable significance in advancing the high-quality development of Wuwei City and even Gansu Province in the high-tech field, as well as the comprehensive progress of social welfare undertakings. At the same time, it has injected strong momentum into promoting prosperity and development across various fields within and beyond the province.