World's First Dual-Bragg Heavy Ion Lattice Radiotherapy Enters Clinical Use

World’s First Dual-Bragg Heavy Ion Lattice Radiotherapy Technology Officially Applied in Clinical Practice

Recently, the Wuwei Heavy Ion Center at Gansu Provincial Wuwei Cancer Hospital has welcomed another breakthrough—the world’s first dual-Bragg heavy ion lattice radiotherapy technology has been officially applied in clinical practice.

The term "Dual-Bragg" does not refer to two physical peaks but represents the deep integration of two core treatment concepts. The first "Bragg" is the physical Bragg Peak—where heavy ion beams release the majority of their energy at a specific depth within the body. This characteristic forms the physical foundation for "pinpoint accuracy" and maximally protecting normal tissues. The second "Bragg" pertains to the immunological concept of Bragg Therapy, specifically the internationally advanced PRaG (Precision Radiotherapy combined with GM-CSF and PD-1 inhibitor) synergistic treatment protocol. It uses precision radiotherapy to locally "ignite" and release tumor antigens; employs GM-CSF as a "navigation" signal to guide the immune system to recognize tumor cells; and then utilizes PD-1 inhibitors to "release the immune brake," enabling immune cells to persistently and systemically attack the tumor, ultimately aiming for the valuable "abscopal effect". Lattice radiotherapy​ serves as the key bridge connecting the two "Bragg" concepts. For large tumors that are inoperable with conventional methods, it transforms a uniform dose field into numerous discrete high-dose "energy islands". This approach not only remarkably preserves the interlacing normal tissues and vascular structures but also, through its unique dose distribution, efficiently induces immunogenic cell death. It converts the energy of physical impact into a "signal" that activates a systemic immune response, making combined local tumor treatment and systemic control a reality.

Four major advantages work synergistically: Firstly, leveraging the unique physical characteristics of the "Bragg Peak" of heavy ion rays to achieve "precision bombing" of deep-seated tumors. Secondly, adopting the advanced field arrangement technique of "lattice radiotherapy" to precisely deploy an energy "checkerboard" within large liver tumors, efficiently killing tumor cells while preserving living space for residual normal liver tissue and key vasculature. Thirdly, seamlessly integrating this precise physical strike into the "Bragg Therapy" immunocoordination strategy, using it as an "igniter" to activate systemic immune responses. Combined with PD-1 inhibitors and GM-CSF, it strives to stimulate the abscopal effect, attacking non-irradiated lesions. Fourthly, introducing a new generation of stem cell-supported immune cell therapies, integrating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived immune effector cells (such as CAR-T, CAR-NK, and TCR-T cells) with engineering technologies, significantly enhancing the accessibility and efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.

This innovative "Dual-Bragg Lattice Radiotherapy" technology is the latest achievement under our hospital's mission of "Converging Global Cutting-Edge Technologies to Benefit Cancer Patients Worldwide". In the future, we will continue to deepen integrated innovation, thoroughly combining precise physical methods, advanced bio-immunology research, and individualized clinical protocols. We remain steadfastly committed to advancing towards our vision of "becoming the global destination for cancer patients to overcome cancer," paving a hopeful path to rebirth for more patients in desperate situations.