The Story of Heavy Ion Therapy for Pancreatic Tumor

The Story of Heavy Ion Therapy for Pancreatic Tumor

"Everyone says pancreatic cancer is the 'king of cancers.' But I never really felt afraid—until the doctor told me the truth. That’s when I realized how small the world is. Why did this disease have to happen to me?" said Mr. Zhang from Sichuan.

He searched online for related information and found a clear statement: "The incidence rate is higher in men than in women." His wife comforted him, "It’s just a matter of probability. This disease doesn’t discriminate between men and women!"

March 3, 2020, was a day he would never forget. After resting at home for a long time, the pain still wouldn’t go away. With no other choice, he went to a nearby hospital. But the doctor diagnosed it as pancreatitis, gave him an IV drip, prescribed some medication, and sent him home.

The pain initially eased a bit, and I thought taking the medicine would cure me. But instead of improving, the pain grew even worse. With my family's help, I returned to the hospital. After a CT scan, the doctor's face fell, and he let out a sigh. I immediately sensed something was wrong and asked urgently, "What's really wrong with me?"

Instead of answering directly, the doctor first asked if my family was present. That alone was alarming—under normal circumstances, when a doctor asks that, it usually means the situation is serious. Soon, I learned the devastating truth: I had pancreatic cancer.

Yet, amid this misfortune, I was also incredibly lucky. During my treatment, I didn’t take any wrong turns—all thanks to a friend I had met years earlier. We’d known each other for eight years, and in 2019, she had also battled pancreatic cancer. She told me, "You should seek out Deputy Director Ma Youguo at Gansu Heavy Ion Hospital. They use heavy ion therapy—no surgery, no chemotherapy or radiation." Seeing her full recovery gave me hope.

Later, I went to the hospital my friend had recommended and met Deputy Director Ma Youguo. His warm and kind smile immediately put me at ease. I explained my condition and showed him all my previous test results.

Deputy Director Ma conducted a thorough evaluation for my admission:

Abdominal MRI (Dec 2020): A mass was found at the uncinate process of the pancreas and surrounding mesenteric arteries/veins, with invasion and occlusion of the superior mesenteric vein, as well as compression and stenosis of the horizontal part of the duodenum.

Clinical Diagnosis:Adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic uncinate process，Obstruction of the horizontal duodenum，Severe malnutrition，Gastric retention.

To describe Deputy Director Ma, one could truly say he embodies "noble medical ethics and exceptional skill." He was meticulous in his work, examined patients with great care, and often reassured me, helping me stay relaxed...

Based on my condition, Deputy Director Ma formulated a precise treatment plan. He explained that due to the pancreatic tumor compressing the horizontal duodenum, I had developed upper digestive tract obstruction, leading to gastric retention and postprandial vomiting. After admission, a feeding tube and gastrointestinal decompression were placed to ensure adequate nutritional support and proper gastric emptying.

On December 29, 2020, I began carbon ion therapy with a total dose of 55.2 Gy (RBE), administered over 12 sessions.

By the 7th treatment session, the pain had significantly subsided, and tumor marker levels showed a remarkable decline during therapy. One month after completing treatment, I regained the ability to eat normally, with imaging showing tumor shrinkage. Six months post-treatment, the tumor had completely necrotized with no detectable activity - the cancerous lesion was eradicated.

I remain eternally grateful to Deputy Director Ma Youguo and the entire medical team whose genuine compassion and extraordinary skills saved my life. Even now, the overwhelming emotion still stirs my heart!

"The heavy ion therapy at Gansu Wuwei Academy of Medical and Science’s Cancer Hospital Heavy Ion Center is truly exceptional. It wasn't just my lifeline - it represents a cornerstone of cancer treatment. With this technology, cancer can indeed be cured. Absolutely remarkable!"

Pancreatic Lesion Treatment Process with Carbon Ion Therapy

Treatment Process

Treatment Planning for Pancreatic Cancer Carbon Ion Therapy Target Area

Efficacy Evaluation of Pancreatic Cancer After Carbon Ion Therapy

Case 2
Patient: Wang XX, Male, 81 years old
Chief Complaint: Epigastric distension and pain for 3 months

Admission Evaluation:

• Abdominal MRI: Mass in the pancreatic body (5.4×4.7 cm), suggestive of neoplastic lesions with suspected pancreatic carcinoma.
• Findings: Local encasement of the splenic artery with possible involvement of the adjacent lesser curvature of the stomach (to be ruled out).

Clinical Diagnosis: Adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic body

Pre-Carbon Ion Therapy Pancreatic Cancer Lesion (5.4×4.7 cm)

Treatment Process

Carbon Ion Treatment Course
Initiated on June 24, 2021 with a total of 12 sessions.
• By the 5th session: Significant pain relief observed
• Post-treatment completion: Complete pain resolution achieved
• 3-month follow-up: Marked reduction in pancreatic lesion size (5.4×4.7cm → 2.1×1.8cm)
• 9-month follow-up: Complete radiologic resolution of pancreatic body tumor

Treatment Outcomes
The patient maintained optimal comfort throughout treatment with:

• Uninterrupted normal oral intake
• Rapid pain alleviation
• Significant therapeutic efficacy

Efficacy Evaluation of Carbon Ion Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

Pre-Treatment Expert MDT Consultation and Ward Round for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Wuwei Heavy Ion Center  

 The Heavy Ion Center of Gansu Wuwei Academy of Medical and Science’s Cancer Hospital is China's first clinical application center for heavy ion therapy systems. Since its official clinical launch in March 2020, it has been successfully operating for three years.

As of now, the center has treated 883 patients, achieving excellent therapeutic outcomes for challenging tumors in areas such as the head, pancreas, and lungs. Patients have come from across China and even Europe.

Building on three years of successful operation, the center has pioneered China's first "Oncology Rehabilitation Town", establishing a comprehensive, whole-lifecycle health management system featuring:

• Integrated cancer therapy
• Dietary management therapy
• Mind-body wellness programs
• Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation therapy
• Rehabilitation physiotherapy
• Biological immune cell therapy
• Horticultural therapy
• Cultural therapy

Department Introduction

   Department of Heavy Ion and Photon Therapy for Abdominopelvic Tumors (Radiotherapy Department I)，specializing in carbon ion and photon radiotherapy for abdominopelvic tumors including pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer.

Director Profile:

Ma Youguo, MD

Deputy Chief Physician

Vice President of Gansu Heavy Ion Hospital

Director of the Department of Heavy Ion and Photon Therapy for Abdominopelvic Tumors

Clinical Achievements:

Since the launch of our heavy ion center:

Become a national referral center for pancreatic cancer treatment

Achieved 90% 1-year local control rate for pancreatic cancer

Demonstrated superior treatment efficacy and patient experience

Outcomes meet or exceed global benchmarks from leading heavy ion centers

Recognized by international experts and patients

Contact Information:

Consultation Hotline: 400-609-6666

Director Ma Youguo: +86 136 3935 9095

Hospital Address:

Heavy Ion Therapy Department for Abdominopelvic Tumors

Heavy Ion Campus, Wuwei Academy of Medical and Science Cancer Hospital

Gansu Province, China