Wuwei Middle School Students Visit Heavy Ion Center for Study Activity

National Heavy Instrument, Red Spirit – Wuwei Middle School Students Visit Heavy Ion Center for Study Activity

On May 22, students from Wuwei No. 10 Middle School and Wuwei No. 24 Middle School visited the Wuwei Heavy Ion Center to participate in the themed study activity "National Heavy Instrument, Forged in the Red Spirit." The students gained an up‑close and in‑depth understanding of the clinical application of domestically produced cutting‑edge heavy ion radiotherapy technology, experiencing the scientific and technological allure of this "national heavy instrument."

Guided by the staff of the Heavy Ion Center, the students first visited the center's sand table model, the core treatment area, and the smart hospital command center. The massive heavy ion synchrotron accelerator model, the precision treatment terminals, and the large real‑time data screens displaying dynamic operational information captivated their attention. Using clear and accessible language, the guide explained how the heavy ion accelerator achieves "precise blasting" of tumor cells and described the arduous journey of how Chinese researchers overcame foreign technological blockades to build the first domestically produced heavy ion treatment system.

As the birthplace of domestically produced heavy ion technology and a national benchmark for heavy ion clinical application, the Wuwei Heavy Ion Center is renowned in the industry as the "Jinggangshan" of ion radiotherapy. Leveraging its strong research capabilities and extensive clinical experience, the center has successfully broken through multiple core technical barriers in heavy ion technology and independently developed nine globally leading heavy ion treatment techniques, driving the development of the domestic heavy ion medical industry. As the first medical institution in China to operate two heavy ion treatment systems simultaneously, the center has accumulated mature and valuable practical experience in the synchronized clinical application of dual systems, achieving breakthroughs in multiple treatment areas, including thoracic tumors, single-fraction same-day treatment, precision radiotherapy under ventilator control, and precision radiotherapy for bladder cancer with accurate bladder capacity management. In particular, the center has established unique advantages in precise heavy ion radiotherapy for thoracic tumors. The center's original techniques, such as "single-fraction precision radiotherapy with organ-tumor spacer implantation" and "dual Bragg peak lattice radiotherapy," have successfully completed numerous challenging complex tumor treatments, achieving dynamic precision throughout the entire course of radiotherapy and maximizing the protection of normal tissues and organs.

In addition, the center's original "heavy ion therapy combined with whole-life-cycle physical and mental health management model" deeply integrates internationally advanced radiotherapy technology with full-cycle humanistic care, providing cancer patients with integrated, comprehensive health protection covering diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and physical and mental wellbeing. To date, the Wuwei Heavy Ion Center has completed treatment services for over 2,800 cancer patients, covering all provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across China. The center has also attracted international cancer patients from countries such as Australia, Belgium, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, reflecting the global influence and clinical recognition of domestically developed heavy ion technology.

This "National Heavy Instrument, Forged in the Red Spirit" study activity served both as an enlightening journey into cutting‑edge science and as a refining experience for ideals and beliefs. Through on‑site visits, immersive learning, and interactive exchanges, the students not only broadened their horizons and ignited their interest in science but also deeply understood the vital importance of technological self‑reliance and self‑strengthening for national prosperity and public health.

In the future, the Wuwei Heavy Ion Center will continue to leverage its role as a "national heavy instrument" for science education and red‑spirit forging. It will further open and share its cutting‑edge technological resources, deepen the collaborative education mechanism between the center and primary/secondary schools across the city, focus on enhancing young people's scientific literacy and cultivating their sense of patriotism, continuously enrich the humanistic and science‑popularization dimensions embedded in the "heavy ion therapy combined with whole‑life‑cycle physical and mental health management model," and contribute even greater "heavy ion power" to the deep integration of China's heavy ion medical industry and patriotic education.

Author:​ Ma Shuqian

Initial Review:​ Ma Shuqian

Secondary Review:​ Guo Yishan

Secondary Review:​Cai Qinghua

Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital (Wuwei Academy of Medical Sciences)

（甘）医广【2025】第11-14-387号