The promotion conference of Chinese heavy ion systems was successfully held in Guangzhou

The promotion conference on new technologies and green medical treatment models for the clinical application of Chinese heavy ion systems was successfully held in Guangzhou

Gansu Wuwei Medical Science Research Institute October 25, 2024 18:20 Gansu, China

On October 25th, the promotion conference on new technologies and green medical treatment models for the clinical application of Chinese heavy ion systems was successfully held in Guangzhou.

The promotion conference was attended by Professor Chen Ming, President of the Ion Radiation Therapy Branch of the China Medical Equipment Association, Deputy Director of the Ion Radiotherapy Special Committee of the China Anti-Cancer Association, and Director of the Radiotherapy Department at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. Also in attendance were Professor Ren Yimin, Visiting Professor at Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital and former Chairman of the Taiwan Oncology Radiotherapy Committee; Professor Wu Jiaming, former Chief Physicist at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan and Chief Physicist at Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital; Professor Xu Xiangying, Director of the Radiotherapy Department at Sun Yat-sen University Third Hospital; Professor Bu Junguo, Director of the Radiotherapy Department at Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University; Professor Chen Yong, Director of the Radiotherapy Department at Sun Yat-sen University First Hospital; Professor Zheng Jihua, Director of the Oncology Department at the Southern Theater General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army; Professor Ding Yi, Professor Zhang Yuqin, and Professor Xiao Jianbiao, Associate Professors of the Radiotherapy Department at Southern Medical University Nanfang Hospital; Professor Sun Hengwen, of the Radiotherapy Department at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital; Professor Qiu Xingsheng, of the Radiotherapy Department at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital; as well as representatives from South Airlines Group Cultural Media Company, China Life Insurance Co., Ltd. Guangzhou Branch, and leaders and professional technical staff from Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital.

The promotion conference was presided over by Vice President Cai Qinghua of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital. Professor Chen Ming, President of the Ion Radiation Therapy Branch of the China Medical Equipment Association and Deputy Director of the Ion Radiotherapy Special Committee of the China Anti-Cancer Association, Professor Ren Yimin, Visiting Professor at Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital and former Chairman of the Taiwan Oncology Radiotherapy Committee, and Chairman Yang Defeng of South Airlines Group Cultural Media Company delivered wonderful speeches. Vice General Manager Wu Caihua of China Life Insurance Co., Ltd. Guangzhou Branch and Sales Director Chen Suhua of South Airlines Group Cultural Media Company gave presentations on the heavy ion green medical treatment project. Director Ye Yancheng of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital delivered a special report on the "Current Status of Heavy Ion Construction and Clinical Applications."

Heavy ion therapy is the most advanced tumor treatment technology in the 21st century globally. It is suitable for over 50 types of solid tumors, such as gliomas, lung cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer, for patients who are not suitable or unwilling to undergo surgical resection. It can also be used for patients with tumors that have been ineffective with traditional treatment methods. Heavy ion therapy has significant advantages such as minimal side effects, remarkable efficacy, and lack of pain.

Since its official clinical application in March 2020, the Wuwei Heavy Ion Center has treated nearly 1,600 patients. Patients have come from all provinces and cities across the country, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, as well as countries like Belgium and Australia.

In September this year, after four and a half years of clinical application, the Wuwei Heavy Ion Tumor Treatment System underwent iterative upgrades. Treatment cabins 3 and 4, equipped with robotic arm therapy beds, were put into operation. The positioning time was compressed from the previous 30 minutes to less than 15 minutes, and the number of treatments increased from 50 patients per month to 100 patients per month. At the end of October this year, the Lanzhou Heavy Ion System, operated under the "Strong Province Capital" initiative in response to Wuwei City, fully implemented four treatment cabins. Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital will simultaneously use eight treatment cabins to treat patients, increasing the treatment capacity to 200 patients per month. This will provide more convenient and efficient medical services for a large number of cancer patients.

The hospital has continuously innovated in clinical applications, introducing several globally pioneering technologies such as high-frequency oscillatory breathing tube-controlled heavy ion precision treatment and a single-session completion of heavy ion treatment with surgical inserts between organs and tumors. They have also implemented a comprehensive "biological, social, psychological" medical model, providing holistic and lifelong health management. Actively exploring a Chinese solution for combining traditional Chinese medicine with heavy ion therapy for cancer treatment, the hospital is striving to establish China's first specialized heavy ion tumor rehabilitation institution.

It is understood that in order to effectively address the issue of medical expenses and provide financial security for the prevention and treatment of cancer for the general public, Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital, in collaboration with China Life Insurance and other insurance companies, has launched the "Million Medical + Heavy Ion Treatment Green Channel" project. Individuals who purchase insurance can receive a total coverage of 5.55 million RMB (4.05 million comprehensive medical insurance + 1.5 million heavy ion medical insurance) for heavy ion treatment and other comprehensive treatments after being diagnosed with an illness. The insurance company provides one-stop reimbursement for medical expenses. This project has benefited a large number of patients receiving heavy ion treatment and comprehensive care.

In order to make the medical journey of patients smoother and more caring, Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital has collaborated with Southern Airlines Media to launch the "Heavy Ion Patient Companion Green Medical Aviation High-Quality Service" project. When patients and their accompanying family members choose to travel to Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital by taking a Southern Airlines flight, they will enjoy VIP-level services such as access to Southern Airlines' VIP lounge and priority boarding without queuing. This initiative aims to make the medical journey of patients warm and convenient.

At the promotional event, a plaque unveiling ceremony for the Southern Airlines Media Group Staff Recuperation Base was also held. The plaque was unveiled by Ye Yancheng, the director of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital, and Yang Defeng, the chairman of Southern Airlines Group Culture Media Company, for the Southern Airlines Media Group Staff Recuperation Base.

Chinese heavy ions, a new hope for life. The heavy ion tumor treatment system has become a significant livelihood project benefiting a large number of cancer patients, offering new hope for many. The implementation of the "Heavy Ion Medical Green Project" has provided a new model of health security for the general public, making heavy ion high-tech medical treatment a reality as an inclusive means of cancer treatment.

Highlights of the conference