Healing with Heart & Science: A Patient's View of Wuwei's Radiotherapy VI
Compassion, Expertise, Healing: Safeguarding Life's Light - My Perspective on Wuwei Heavy Ion Hospital's Radiotherapy Department VI
—— A Brief Note on the Radiotherapy Department VI of Wuwei Heavy Ion Center
（I）
"Hello, I’ve reviewed the test results you sent. All indicators are quite good. As for the slight elevation in the carbohydrate antigen, there’s no need to worry—it might be related to inflammation or diet. Don’t overstress; staying positive will help everything improve…"
"Director Chen, we’ll arrive at the hospital on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year. Please arrange our admission!"
"I’ve now moved to the newly established Department VI. If you’re willing, everything has been coordinated—just go to the Radiotherapy Department VI and ask for Nurse Hu Wenxia. She’ll be on duty on the eighth!"
"Thank you, Director Chen!"
Director Chen refers to Chen Weizuo, head of the Radiotherapy Department VI at Wuwei Heavy Ion Center.
Since our initial online consultation about heavy ion therapy in October 2022, Director Chen has patiently answered all our questions even those he probably never anticipated tirelessly explaining through voice messages, texts, during lunch breaks, and even late at night... His vivid analogies not only made complex concepts understandable, but more importantly, gave us genuine hope for treatment. That November, amidst skeptical family discussions about this novel therapy, my husband and I crossed the threshold of Wuwei Heavy Ion Center. Our first glimpse of Dr. Chen captured him intently analyzing CT scans—marking, calculating, refining—his focused demeanor amplifying his professional grace. In that moment, our decision crystallized: we would undergo carbon ion treatment here. Over two years of treatment, we came to deeply appreciate Dr. Chen's team. In Department II, where he served as deputy to Director Chen Dongji, we witnessed their shared dedication. Each treatment plan underwent rigorous dual review and international consultations—every patient received their utmost commitment. Young physicians like Xiong Xiangzhi, fluent in English during rounds with Taiwanese expert Prof. Yee-Min Jen, exemplified the team's excellence. This culture of excellence now flourishes in Department VI (established January 2024), where Dr. Chen leads with his original team joined by promising newcomers Dr. Liu Yuan and Dr. Dong Jingjing. Here, they continue their sacred mission: crafting personalized therapies that blend ethical care, compassionate healing, and medical innovation—true guardians of life's luminous hope in China's northwestern frontier.
（II）
When we were in the Department II, the nurses treated us like family. They affectionately called us "Auntie" and "Uncle," and their care was gentle and meticulous. Every morning, they would wake us up for breakfast, remind us to exercise, and even help fold our blankets and tidy the room while chatting with us—asking how we slept the night before or if we felt any discomfort after taking our medicine. Their warm words made us, far from home, forget our loneliness and unease, and we grew more at ease day by day. "But now we’re switching to a new department, with all new faces—how will they treat us?" My husband and I couldn’t help wondering as we walked there.
Hu Wenxia was the first nurse we met at Radiotherapy Department VI when we arrived at the hospital at dusk on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year. Tall and fair-skinned, she spoke briskly and worked efficiently. While handling our admission procedures, she asked about our long journey. When we mentioned the dust on the pre-made hospital bed, she immediately fetched clean bedding and remade it without hesitation. She kept reminding us—after traveling nearly a thousand kilometers—to eat well and rest properly that evening. Her attentiveness was no less than a mother’s care for her child. The next day, the nursing team came for rounds. To our surprise, the head nurse was Ta Juan from Department II—a familiar face that made our reunion especially warm. Ta Juan introduced the team: Cai Qiong, Hu Wenxia, Fan Jianmei, Hui Kaishan, Shi Qianwen, and Hou Falan, then formally introduced us to all the nurses. Amid cheerful conversation, they swiftly tidied the room, even carefully retying our loosely fastened curtains. "Nurses here are just as dedicated and caring, no matter which department they're from," my husband and I smiled at each other. Over the next ten days, I witnessed how the Department VI nurses worked tirelessly yet joyfully. They moved quickly—administering IV drips in one room, advising on nutrition in another. Each patient received a personalized dietary plan, meticulously tailored to their daily nutritional needs. They even made sure I knew exactly where to find every item on the menu across the hospital cafeterias. "If you can’t find something, tell us—we’ll sort it out," they said.
（III）
At Radiotherapy Department VI, patient education is a top priority. During my stay, Director Chen and the entire medical team conducted sessions covering every aspect of life for radiotherapy patients—from diet and nutrition (including how to select and prepare fruits/vegetables) to hospital fire safety protocols. They actively encourage patient participation in rehabilitation programs, organizing various activities and lectures where patients can share experiences and learn recovery techniques together. These initiatives not only enhance self-management skills and treatment outcomes, but also foster strong camaraderie and mutual support among us. Through these learning opportunities, we've gradually deepened our understanding of the disease and ourselves, letting go of anxiety and worries step by step.
To keep everyone in high spirits and at ease, the hospital organized festive activities around the Lantern Festival, including dragon boat parades, lantern displays, fireworks, and riddle guessing. Every evening after dinner, the medical staff of the Radiotherapy Department VI would remind us to join in the fun. As we passed the nurses’ station on our way out, they would always check if someone who feels the cold easily was dressed warmly enough, asking whether I had stuck heat patches on my chest and back. Thanks to their thoughtful reminders, I’d bundle up thoroughly each time and head out in great cheer. In a burst of excitement, I even jotted down a little rhyme: "Heavy ions stand apart, Dragon boats dance, a lively art. Red belts cinch red shirts bright, Scarves sway in a fiery light. Leaders vow to conquer strife, Health renewed—nurses bring life. Be it Southern whispers sweet, Or Northern boldness, strong and fleet, Here, we find joy anew, Wrapped in warmth, our hearts stay true."
The medical team at Radiotherapy Department VI not only possesses profound medical expertise and extensive clinical experience, enabling them to provide comprehensive healthcare services, but also delivers all-encompassing compassion and professional care to us patients. For instance, when I recently experienced shoulder/neck pain and hand numbness, Director Chen promptly coordinated with Dr. Yang Qianzi from Orthopedics department, while Dr. Xiong arranged rehabilitation therapy for me. During daily rounds, they consistently follow up: "Has the treatment brought any relief?" Beyond physical care, they offer continuous psychological support and emotional comfort, empowering each patient to build confidence in overcoming illness. Notably, I’ve reunited with several former fellow patients here—all of us drawn to Department VI by Director Chen's exemplary leadership.
Director Chen stated: "Radiotherapy Department VI is a vibrant and hope-filled unit. Our mission extends beyond curing diseases—we ignite the light of life. Every life is infinitely precious, and every treatment carries the hopes of patients and their families. That’s why we remain steadfast in our medical vocation: to deliver the highest standard of care. We pledge to safeguard your health with unparalleled expertise and heartfelt service." They don’t just say it—they live it.
For Wuwei Heavy Ion Center, For Them, For Carbon Ions:
Carbon Ions
At last I stand before you
No time to gaze—I’m already
swallowed by emerald arms
Beyond these doors, I know
hope queues in endless lines
Pain converges from all directions
no less crushing than the Huns’ iron hooves
The green cross locates the light wisps
trace the contours of my pounding heart
"Beam activated—stay calm"
The voice above me, steady as bedrock
My trembling breath slows
Eyes wide open, yet
seeing nothing
touching less
Where hides this fabled magic?
I shut my lids lightly—
"Zzzz" dense but not harsh
"Pop-pop" soft yet resolute
interlaced currents flood my ears
Like a silver-armored general
on sweat-blood stallion
reclaiming lost lands
inch by moonlit inch
"Banish the illness!"
"Wuwei! Wuwei!"
Through thunderous cheers
a city awakens
to vibrant rebirth
—A heavy ion therapy patient
February 28, 2024
Department Introduction
Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital Radiation Oncology Department established in February 1990, the Radiation Oncology Department of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital has evolved over three decades into a comprehensive tumor radiotherapy team integrating scientific management, cutting-edge technologies, advanced equipment, and high-quality services. In 2019, it was recognized as a provincial key discipline in Gansu, and in 2020, it was honored as an outstanding medical team in Gansu province.
Over more than 30 years of continuous advancement in radiation therapy technology, our hospital’s Heavy Ion Center is now equipped with:
- China’s first domestically produced heavy ion accelerator
- Three electron linear accelerators
- Treatment planning systems: ciPlan, Eclipse, Monaco
- Quality assurance systems: PTW 2D array & Delta4 4D IMRT verification
- Siemens large-bore CT simulator
- Respiratory gating system
- 6D robotic couch
- 4D CBCT image guidance & motion management system
- CIVCO immobilization devices
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS/SBRT) system
These state-of-the-art facilities enable us to deliver the most advanced radiotherapy techniques nationwide.
Professional leader
Chen Weizuo, Deputy Chief Physician, Director of Radiation Oncology Department VI
Director Chen Weizuo, Associate Chief Physician and Master of Oncology, serves as the cornerstone of our team. With extensive clinical expertise and a robust academic foundation, he has pursued advanced training at premier institutions including: Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Sichuan Cancer Hospital. Clinical Specializations: Radiotherapy and comprehensive treatment for abdominal-pelvic tumors, Pioneering techniques: heavy ion therapy and stereotactic radiotherapy, Professional Leadership: Committee Member, Ion Radiotherapy Branch, China Association of Medical Equipment, Youth Committee Member, CRTOG Radioimmunotherapy IR Group, Youth Committee Member, Gansu Anti-Cancer Association Gastrointestinal Cancer Committee, Committee Member, Wuwei Medical Association Radiotherapy Branch. Academic Achievements: Principal Investigator: Chinese Academy of Sciences "Western Light" Talent Program, Gansu Provincial "Luyang Youth Innovation" Talent Project, Published multiple SCI-indexed and core Chinese journal papers, Holds three utility model patents in radiotherapy technologies.
Why choose Department of Radiation Oncology VI?
A medical team led by Dr. Chen Weizuo will use cutting-edge heavy ion radiotherapy technology, combined with personalized comprehensive treatment plans, to provide precise and efficient medical services for each patient. Our strengths include:
●Advanced medical equipment and technology
●Experienced team of experts
●A warm and comfortable medical environment
●Full-process considerate patient care
Main service targets
Radiotherapy Department VI is committed to the heavy ion and photon radiotherapy for abdominal and pelvic tumors such as pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer, providing patients with professional radiotherapy and personalized comprehensive treatment services.
Department photos
About us
Tianyi Road, Liangzhou District, Wuwei City, Gansu Province, China Heavy Ion Health Town