Hand in Hand on the Silk Road of Health, Exploring Heavy Ion Technology Together

Hand in Hand on the Silk Road of Health, Exploring Heavy Ion Technology Together

— "Belt and Road" Countries' Emergency Medical Rescue Material Management Training Program Conducts In-Depth Visit to Wuwei Cancer Hospital's Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center

On July 16, over 30 participants from the "Belt and Road" Emergency Medical Rescue Material Management Training Program, including representatives from Bulgaria, Gambia, Grenada, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Suriname, visited Wuwei Cancer Hospital's Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center for a thorough inspection of this globally leading hub for advanced tumor radiotherapy technology. The visit aimed to promote exchanges and cooperation in emergency medical rescue and cutting-edge medical technology among Belt and Road partner countries, jointly mapping a new blueprint for the Silk Road of Health.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by the hospital. Accompanied by Vice President Qi Ying of the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center and representatives from the radiotherapy team, the foreign guests explored core areas such as the heavy ion treatment rooms and physics planning rooms, observing the operational processes of the state-of-the-art equipment up close. Vice President Qi detailed the unique physical and biological advantages of heavy ion beam therapy for tumors, as well as its revolutionary breakthroughs in precisely targeting deep-seated tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissues.

The representatives from various countries spoke highly of the center's world-class technical capabilities and large-scale clinical application. One participant remarked, "This visit is truly astonishing! Heavy ion technology represents the future direction of tumor treatment. We eagerly look forward to introducing this 'gospel of health' to our countries to benefit more patients. Wuwei Cancer Hospital's practices set an outstanding benchmark for developing nations to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment capabilities."

Five years of relentless effort have enabled Wuwei Cancer Hospital's Heavy Ion Center in Gansu Province to achieve continuous breakthroughs in technological innovation, creating multiple "world-first" milestones. It is the only hospital globally operating two heavy ion treatment systems. With the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center now under its management, the hospital has formed a powerful dual-center synergy, significantly expanding the capacity and reach of heavy ion therapy. As a key national demonstration base for heavy ion technology, the center adheres to the principle of openness and sharing. "We are committed to deepening cooperation with Belt and Road partner countries, exploring diverse models such as technology transfer, talent training, and telemedicine, to transcend borders with cutting-edge scientific achievements and enhance regional capabilities in combating major diseases. We aim to contribute Chinese wisdom and solutions to building a global community of health for all."

Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center

Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital is a state-owned public tertiary Grade A specialized cancer hospital. The Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center is the second heavy ion clinical application center in China with independent intellectual property rights, operated by Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital. Following the first Chinese heavy ion treatment system, the second Chinese heavy ion tumor treatment system was put into clinical operation at the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center on November 15, 2024. To date, the center has completed photon and heavy ion treatments for over 230 patients, covering cancers such as lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and gliomas.

The Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center has established an elite talent system, bringing together 50 leading experts, including Professor Shen Wenjiang, Lifetime Honorary Professor of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Peking University Health Science Center, and Professor Xu Bo, Standing Committee Member of the Radiotherapy Branch of the Chinese Medical Association. Professor Wang Junjie, Chairman of the Radiotherapy Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, serves as the hospital president, providing robust technical support for heavy ion therapy.

Additionally, the center is equipped with a series of cutting-edge medical devices, such as the Varian VitalBeam medical linear accelerator, Elekta Infinity four-dimensional image-guided linear accelerator, 3.0T simulation positioning MRI, GE 256-slice high-end CT, and Varian iridium-192 imported afterloader. These advanced facilities lay a solid foundation for heavy ion therapy, ensuring high efficiency and precision throughout the treatment process.

With the goal of building a comprehensive, full-life-cycle tumor treatment system, the hospital has established departments including Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology/Hematology, Surgical Oncology, Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology Rehabilitation, Critical Care Medicine, Digestive Endoscopy Center, Imaging, Laboratory, and Ultrasound Medicine, offering comprehensive treatments such as photon radiotherapy, chemotherapy, heavy ion therapy, and integrated medical and surgical therapies.