19th Academic Conference of Radiation Oncology by Chinese Medical Association Held in Beijing: China's Heavy Ion Therapy Offers New Pathway for Cancer Treatment

On November 15, the 19th Academic Conference of Radiation Oncology by the Chinese Medical Association commenced in Beijing. The event featured multiple specialized sessions, bringing together leading experts and scholars from China and abroad to discuss the latest advancements and future trends in radiation oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics, radiotherapy technology, nursing, and medical engineering.

Meeting venue

Professor Wang Junjie, Chairman of the Radiation Oncology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association

Professor Ye Yancheng, Professor Qi Ying, and Director Li Wanguo from Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province delivered insightful presentations and shared their expertise at the Ion Therapy Session, Radiation Physics Session, and Radiotherapy Technology Session, respectively. Their topics included "Clinical Treatment Outcomes of Domestic Heavy Ion Therapy for Cancer" and "Application of trUpoint ARCH in Carbon Ion Radiotherapy for Intracranial Tumors." They comprehensively demonstrated the unique advantages and remarkable efficacy of heavy ion therapy in cancer treatment.

Professor Ye Yancheng from Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province delivered a lecture titled "Clinical Treatment Outcomes of Domestic Heavy Ion Therapy for Cancer"

Director Li Wanguo from Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province shared his insights on "Application of trUpoint ARCH in Carbon Ion Radiotherapy for Intracranial Tumors"

According to reports, China's tumor radiotherapy technology has reached a world-leading level, with nearly 3,000 radiotherapy institutions nationwide treating the largest number of patients globally. Meanwhile, the number of operational and under-construction heavy ion therapy facilities in China will reach 12. Among them, the Wuwei Heavy Ion Center and the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center have already commenced operations. Additionally, three facilities—the Matsu Branch of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, the People's Hospital in Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone (Hannan District), and the Zhejiang Cancer Hospital—have completed installation. Seven more units are currently under construction, with over five additional facilities in active negotiation.

Notably, since its clinical operation, the Wuwei Heavy Ion Center has successfully treated nearly 1,600 patients from all provinces and municipalities across China, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, as well as from countries such as Belgium and Australia. The treated patients have demonstrated remarkable therapeutic outcomes and excellent treatment tolerance.

The center has pioneered several globally innovative technologies, including high-frequency oscillation breathing control for precise heavy ion therapy, bladder volume precision management for bladder cancer treatment, intraoperative spacer placement between organs and tumors to enable single-session heavy ion therapy, and "heavy ion surgery" combining organ motion control for one-time treatment completion. It has also authored and published six monographs, including Standard Operating Procedures for Carbon Ion Radiotherapy and Radiation Safety Management and Equipment Operation Guidelines for Carbon Ion Therapy. Adopting a comprehensive "biological, social, and psychological" medical model, the center delivers holistic, full-life-cycle health management. It is actively exploring a China-specific approach integrating heavy ion therapy with traditional Chinese medicine for cancer treatment, striving to establish China’s first specialized heavy ion tumor rehabilitation and wellness institution.

This conference serves not only as a comprehensive review and summary of China's tumor radiotherapy endeavors but also as a historic milestone propelling the field toward high-quality development. Moving forward, Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province will remain steadfast in its mission to save lives with unwavering dedication, continuously enhancing treatment standards and management capabilities. The hospital is committed to delivering superior, efficient medical care for global cancer patients while making greater contributions to the Healthy China Initiative.