China's First Heavy-Ion Therapy System Marks 5th Anniversary of Clinical Use

China's First Heavy-Ion Therapy System Marks 5th Anniversary of Clinical Use

--Deputy Director Nie Peng of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital: Wuwei Heavy-Ion Center’s Five-Year Journey – Upholding China’s Leadership in Heavy-Ion Therapy

"Wuwei Heavy Ion Center is China's first medical institution equipped with a domestically developed heavy ion accelerator for medical use, boasting complete independent intellectual property rights. It is also the world's fourth institution to master clinical heavy ion therapy technology, with its core technology developed by the Institute of Modern Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.  

Since commencing clinical operations in March 2020, the center has treated nearly 2,000 patients with heavy ion therapy as of now, establishing itself as a cornerstone of China's tumor radiotherapy field. It has achieved remarkable breakthroughs in technological research, clinical practice, and application models. Currently, the center treats over 40 types of cancers, including lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and glioblastoma, with the vast majority of patients achieving favorable clinical outcomes.  

Over the past five years, Wuwei Heavy Ion Center has pioneered several globally first-of-their-kind technologies based on clinical practice. Centered on independent innovation, the center has not only achieved domestic breakthroughs in heavy ion therapy technology but also advanced the internationalization and popularization of China's tumor treatment techniques through clinical practice, comprehensive rehabilitation, and international collaboration. Notably, the China-developed comprehensive, full-life-cycle management approach combining heavy ion therapy with traditional Chinese medicine has provided a significant reference for upgrading China's tumor radiotherapy system and advancing global medical technology.  

Looking ahead, Wuwei Heavy Ion Center aims to build a global tumor treatment hub by driving technological iteration, upgrading the heavy ion industry, and promoting inclusive access. Through research commercialization, the center seeks to transform heavy ion therapy from a national strategic asset into a public welfare benefit, delivering efficient, high-precision treatment to tumor patients worldwide.”