Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center Successfully Performs Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy in Hematology/Oncology Department, Enhancing Precision Diagnostics

On May 22, the Department of Hematology/Oncology at Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center successfully performed bone marrow cytomorphological examination and biopsy pathological examination, providing robust support for precise diagnosis and personalized treatment of various hematological disorders.

Bone marrow aspiration is a fundamental diagnostic procedure involving the extraction of marrow fluid for cytological, parasitological, and bacteriological examinations. This technique plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and differentiating hematologic disorders, as well as monitoring treatment response. It is indicated for evaluating unexplained abnormalities in erythrocyte/leukocyte/thrombocyte counts or morphology, investigating fever of unknown origin, and performing ancillary tests including marrow culture and parasite detection on smears.

Sternal Bone Marrow Aspiration Technique

Bone marrow biopsy is a method that involves using a biopsy needle to extract a small piece of intact bone marrow tissue, which is then fixed, decalcified, and stained to identify hematopoietic cells, observe the structure and spatial organization of the bone marrow tissue, and supplement bone marrow smear examinations. The operational procedure is largely the same as that of bone marrow aspiration, but the extracted material maintains the complete structural integrity of the bone marrow tissue, compensating for the limitations of bone marrow aspiration. Bone marrow biopsy retrieves a whole piece of bone marrow tissue and can also be used for immunological, cytogenetic, and molecular biological examinations. The most significant advantage of bone marrow biopsy over bone marrow aspiration is that the extracted intact bone marrow tissue preserves the normal positional structure of various hematopoietic cells within the marrow, whereas bone marrow aspiration, through its suction effect, alters the normal anatomical arrangement of these cells. As a result, diseases that cannot be diagnosed by bone marrow aspiration often require bone marrow biopsy for confirmation. Common conditions such as aplastic anemia, primary myelofibrosis, and tumor metastasis to the bone marrow must be diagnosed through bone marrow biopsy.

Bone marrow histopathological biopsy

Since its establishment, the Department of Hematology/Oncology at Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center has been committed to providing comprehensive and high-quality medical services for patients with hematologic diseases. Leveraging the unique biological effects of heavy ion radiation on hematopoietic tumors, the department has developed a comprehensive treatment approach combining "heavy ion radiotherapy + targeted therapy + immunotherapy." The department is led by Professor Pan Ming, a first-class chief physician with profound academic expertise and extensive clinical experience, and is staffed by a team of highly qualified medical professionals with rich clinical experience. The successful implementation of bone marrow puncture examinations has further enhanced the department's diagnostic and treatment capabilities, enabling more accurate assessment of patient conditions and providing a scientific basis for formulating rational treatment plans.

During the procedure, the department's doctors strictly followed standardized protocols, meticulously executing every step from selecting the puncture site and adjusting the patient's position to disinfection, anesthesia, puncture, and specimen collection. The doctors patiently communicated with patients, explaining the purpose, process, and potential outcomes of the examination to alleviate anxiety and ensure smooth progress. The entire operation was performed under local anesthesia, minimizing patient discomfort while maintaining high safety standards.

The second Chinese-made heavy ion cancer treatment system, in collaboration with the first one, was put into clinical operation at the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center on November 15, 2024. To date, the center has treated 190 patients with photon and heavy ion therapy, covering over 40 disease types including lung cancer, liver cancer, and glioblastoma. The introduction of bone marrow puncture examinations by the Department of Hematology/Oncology will further enhance the center's capabilities in diagnosing and treating hematologic diseases, bringing hope for recovery to more patients. In the future, the department will continue to introduce and develop new technologies and programs, continuously improving medical service standards to safeguard patients' health.

Department Introduction

The Department of Oncology/Hematology at the Lanzhou Campus of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital is an outstanding team that combines professional expertise with advanced technology, dedicated to the precise diagnosis and treatment of tumors and hematologic diseases. With its specialized medical techniques, comprehensive therapeutic approaches, and patient-centered care, the department plays a vital role in the treatment of cancer and blood disorders.

I. Professional Team

The department boasts an elite team of professional medical staff. Among the medical team, specially appointed experts Professor Bai Hai and Professor Pan Ming are both first-class chief physicians with distinguished reputations in the industry, possessing profound academic expertise and extensive clinical experience, providing a solid foundation for the department's diagnostic and treatment standards. At the same time, the department is equipped with a well-structured and complete talent pipeline, continuously improving and enhancing its talent cultivation mechanisms to ensure high-quality, multi-level medical services for patients. The nursing team provides comprehensive and meticulous nursing care with a high sense of responsibility and professional skills, ensuring patients' comfort and safety throughout the treatment process.

II. Scope of Diagnosis and Treatment

The department specializes in the precise diagnosis and treatment of various benign and malignant diseases of the hematologic system and solid tumors. It has particularly notable advantages in managing refractory and relapsed hematologic diseases and solid tumors. The department focuses on the medical treatment of hematologic diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and various types of anemia, as well as common solid tumors like lung cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. Whether for common conditions or complex cases, the department can provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans for patients, thanks to its professional medical expertise and extensive clinical experience.

III. Diagnostic and Treatment Technologies

Diversified treatment methods: The department adopts internationally advanced treatment concepts and approaches, covering chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, endocrine therapy, supportive care, cell therapy, and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Personalized comprehensive treatment plans are tailored to each patient's condition and physical status to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.  

Precise diagnostic technologies: Relying on the advanced MICM classification techniques—bone marrow morphology, bone marrow pathology, flow cytometry, genetic testing, etc.—in the hematology laboratory, the department can accurately diagnose and classify hematologic diseases, providing a scientific basis for personalized treatment planning. These cutting-edge technologies enable a more precise understanding of patients' conditions, facilitating targeted therapy and improving treatment efficacy.  

Laminar flow ward support: The department is equipped with laminar flow wards, offering a safe and comfortable treatment environment for patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, or other procedures requiring strict infection control. The laminar flow wards utilize advanced air purification technology to effectively reduce infection risks, ensuring robust support for patient treatment.

Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center consultation phone:

Director Li：+86 166 0931 3666

Teacher Yan：+86 176 9325 0603