"Beacon of Hope": The Academic Exchange Meeting for the Clinical Application of China's First Domestically Developed Heavy Ion Therapy System Successfully Convenes

On August 22, 2020, the academic exchange conference marking the official commencement of clinical treatment with "Beacon of Hope," China's first independently developed heavy-ion therapy system, was successfully convened in Xi'an. This groundbreaking system has been officially deployed for clinical use in Wuwei, representing a significant milestone in China's advancements in medical technology.

The conference was presided over by Zhang Yanshan, Vice President of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital, with opening remarks delivered by Ye Yanchang, President of the hospital. The event brought together over 50 experts from more than 20 provinces and cities, including Professor Yang Yiping, Chief Physician of Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital; Professor Jin Yan, Chief Physician of the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province; Professor Qin Jian, Chief Physician of the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Professor Wang Jing, Deputy Director of the Oncology Department at Baotou Beifang Hospital; Professor Hu Wei, Deputy Chief Physician of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University; Professor Wang Qifeng, Deputy Chief Physician of Sichuan Cancer Hospital; Professor Xu Jianliang, Deputy Chief Physician of Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Professor Liu Changjun, Chief Physician of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital; Professor Ba Nan, Deputy Chief Physician of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Professor Zhao Yulan, Chief Physician of the People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region; Professor Wang Yan, Chief Physician of the People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region; and Professor Zhang Jianquan, Chief Physician of Haikou People's Hospital.

The event was attended by media representatives from prominent outlets, including Phoenix News, Sina News, Tencent News, NetEase News, Huashang News, Yidian Zixun, Toutiao, Huashang Daily, Health Times, and Xi'an Press Group.

During the conference, a series of insightful lectures were delivered by distinguished experts. Dr. Zhang Yanshan, Vice President of our hospital and Chief Physician, along with Dr. Wang Qifeng, Deputy Chief Physician of Sichuan Cancer Hospital; Dr. Zhao Zheng, Chief Physician of Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital; Dr. Zhang Yihe, Deputy Chief Physician and Deputy Director of the First Radiotherapy Department at our hospital; and Dr. Li Xiaojun, Deputy Chief Physician and Deputy Director of the Third Radiotherapy Department, presented engaging and innovative talks, covering a wide range of topics with rich content and fresh perspectives.

The event also sparked significant interest among the attending experts in the field of heavy-ion cancer therapy. A lively and in-depth discussion ensued, focusing on the advancements and applications of heavy-ion therapy technology in cancer treatment.

Heavy-ion cancer therapy is one of the most advanced tumor treatment technologies of the 21st century. Known for its high biological effectiveness, precise therapeutic outcomes, non-invasive nature, and minimal side effects, this technology has shown remarkable efficacy against most solid tumors. It is particularly suitable for treating tumors that are inoperable, resistant to conventional radiation, or recurrent after traditional radiotherapy.

The Wuwei Heavy-Ion Center is equipped with China's first independently developed heavy-ion therapy system. After years of construction, the center obtained a Class I radiation safety license in August 2017. The heavy-ion therapy system received its registration certificate on September 29, 2019. Subsequently, Wuwei Cancer Hospital was granted the configuration license for the heavy-ion radiotherapy system on November 29, 2019, followed by the radiotherapy and medical treatment license on January 20, 2020, and the medical fee approval on January 21, 2020. The center officially commenced operations on March 26, 2020.

The successful launch of the Wuwei Heavy-Ion Center marks a historic milestone, making China the fourth country in the world to possess independently developed heavy-ion therapy technology and clinical application capabilities. This achievement breaks foreign monopolies and represents a significant breakthrough in China's ability to clinically apply large-scale medical equipment, filling a critical gap in the domestic medical field.

To date, over 3,000 cancer patients have registered for treatment at the Wuwei Heavy-Ion Center. After careful screening, the center has admitted 90 patients, with 65 having completed treatment, 15 currently undergoing therapy, and 10 awaiting their turn. So far, the heavy-ion therapy system has successfully treated more than 130 patients (including 46 clinical trial cases). The treated conditions include gliomas, meningiomas, adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland, malignant melanoma, maxillary sinus sarcoma, lung cancer, malignant thymoma, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Patients have traveled from regions such as Hong Kong, Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Hunan, Hubei, Xinjiang, Shenzhen, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Anhui, Fujian, Henan, Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi, Yunnan, Ningxia, Qinghai, Jilin, Heilongjiang, and Gansu. Patients who have completed treatment have reported highly satisfactory outcomes.

The purpose of this conference is to share the promising advancements in heavy-ion cancer therapy with the nation, promoting this exceptional treatment technology across the country. By doing so, China's first independently developed heavy-ion therapy system can benefit a greater number of cancer patients, offering new hope and improved treatment options.