Filling Multiple Medical Gaps in Gansu and Boosting Provincial Development: Wuwei Cancer Hospital's Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center Marks First Anniversary

Editor's Note: A Year of Groundbreaking Achievements Paves the Way for a New Chapter

Since commencing its hosted operations on November 15, 2024, under the precise guidance of Wuwei Cancer Hospital, the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Medical Center has spearheaded a leap forward in regional cancer treatment. With pioneering innovation and unwavering commitment to medical excellence, the center has filled critical healthcare gaps in Gansu province, establishing a new milestone for high-end medical development in Western China.

•Successful deployment of heavy-ion precision radiotherapy has ended the era for Gansu's cancer patients to seek treatment outside the province. It has led to breakthrough improvements in treating complex conditions such as refractory high-grade gliomas, stage III locally advanced lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer, with some key efficacy metrics surpassing international photon therapy standards, offering new hope for critically ill patients.

•The establishment of a comprehensive service chain covering diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and research has addressed the long-standing absence of an advanced oncology diagnosis and treatment system in Western China. This allows patients from Gansu and the broader Northwest region to receive world-class, precision medicine close to home.

•Supported by its self-developed core technologies, the center's heavy-ion treatment system makes it the only medical institution in the world operating two such units. This achievement fills the gap in the independent application of high-end medical equipment within the province, breaking technological reliance on foreign systems and showcasing China's strength in high-end medical innovation.

•Several original technical protocols developed by the center have been incorporated into industry reference standards, filling the void in the creation of independent local treatment standards. This promotes China's heavy-ion therapy progression from mere technological adoption to standard-setting leadership.

•The center's exceptional clinical expertise has attracted international patients, facilitating the creation of a high-level platform for international medical treatment and academic exchange. This addresses the previous lack of cross-border particle therapy collaboration and services in Gansu, significantly enhancing the province's international medical influence.

Over the past year, the center has provided over 7,000 outpatient consultations and admitted 1,200 inpatients. It has successfully performed heavy-ion treatment for nearly 200 patients, with its services reaching patients from 27 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across China—over 70% of whom are from outside Gansu. It has become a leading benchmark for the application and promotion of heavy-ion therapy technology in China, delivering a powerful "Gansu Answer" to the nation's "Healthy China" initiative with its robust medical capabilities.

On November 7, the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center of Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital marked a significant milestone—its first anniversary of operation. Over 300 leading international experts in medical heavy-ion technology gathered in Lanzhou to discuss directions for technological innovation, witness the achievements of this "national flagship facility," and chart the future development of the industry.

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Distinguished leaders and experts from Beijing present at the conference included:

•Mr. Liu Chunsheng, Former Party Committee Secretary and Chairman of China Nuclear Energy Industry Corporation, Member of the Strategic Advisory Committee of China National Nuclear Corporation.

•Mr. Yu Jianfu, Former Secretary-General of the Chinese Nuclear Society and Former Deputy Party Committee Secretary, Director of the Strategic Advisory Committee of China National Nuclear Corporation.

•Mr. Liu Feng, Researcher of the Patent Examination Cooperation (Beijing) Center of the Patent Office, CNIPA; Senior Patent Examination Expert; Executive Director and General Manager of Beijing Guozhi Chuangke Technology Co., Ltd. under the Center.

•Mr. Zhang Wei, Assistant Researcher of the Patent Examination Cooperation (Beijing) Center of the Patent Office, CNIPA; Patent Examination Expert; Director of the Comprehensive Management Department of Beijing Guozhi Chuangke Technology Co., Ltd. under the Center.

•Mr. Song Zhengchao, President of Beijing Shiangkang Health Technology Co., Ltd.

•Professor Wei Junmin, President and Editor-in-Chief of the Chinese Medical Journals Publishing House.

Leaders and experts from the Peking University system included:

•Professor Fu Wei, Deputy Party Committee Secretary and President of Peking University Third Hospital.

•Professor Shen Wenjiang, Lifetime Emeritus Professor of the Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Health Science Center, and Chief Physician.

•Professor Gu Yun, Former Deputy Party Committee Secretary of Peking University Health Science Center.

•Professor Qu Ang, Associate Chief Physician of the Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital.

•Professor Zhao Tiandi, Chief Radiotherapy Technologist of the Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital.

•Professor Tian Suqing, Head of the Head and Neck Section, Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital.

•Professor Jiang Weijuan, Attending Physician of the Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital.

•Professor Li Xuemin, Attending Physician of the Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital.

Other nationally renowned experts specially invited to the academic conference included:

•Professor Fan Ruitai, Chief Physician, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University.

•Professor Ma Changying, Chief Physician; Vice Chairperson of the Heilongjiang Society of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Medical Association; Chairperson of the Qiqihar Society of Radiation Oncology; Director of the Oncology Research Office and Director of the Radiation Oncology Department, Qiqihar First Hospital.

•Professor Lan Shengmin, Chief Physician, Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital.

•Professor Guo Feng, Associate Chief Physician, MD, PhD Supervisor, Xuzhou Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Province.

•Professor Yu Zhilong, Former Director and Chief Physician of the Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University.

•Professor Yang Yiping, Honorary President of the Radiotherapy Hospital, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital.

•Professor Zhen Peng, Chief Physician; Vice President of Chifeng Cancer Hospital, Inner Mongolia; Deputy Director of the Chifeng University Cancer Institute.

•Professor Liu Qiufang, Former Director and Chief Physician (Level 1), Department of Radiation Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital; PhD Supervisor.

•Professor Zhang Kuan, Chief Physician and Director of the Oncology Department, Qinghai Red Cross Hospital; PhD Supervisor.

Prominent experts from Gansu Province included:

•Professor Zhao Da, Chief Expert of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University•Professor Gao Liying, Chief Expert and Chief Physician, Radiotherapy Center, Gansu Provincial Central Hospital.

•Professor Sun Pengfei, Director, Chief Physician, and PhD Supervisor of the Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University.

•Professor Mi Denghai, Former President of Gansu Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Counselor of Gansu Provincial People's Government; Chief Physician (Level 1).

•Professor Zhao Mingfang, Chief Physician, The Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine.

•Professor Cao Jingyu, Associate Professor at Gansu Health College; Vice President of the Pei Zhengxue Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute; disciple of National Famous TCM Master Professor Pei Zhengxue.

•Professor Wang Lanying, Famous Physician of Gansu Province; Professor, Chief Physician, and PhD Supervisor at Gansu University of Chinese Medicine.

•Professor Tian Zhongze, Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology, The 940th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force; PhD Supervisor.

•Professor Zheng Changcai, Director and Associate Chief Physician of the Radiotherapy Center, Gansu Provincial Central Hospital.

•Professor Luo Hongtao, Chief Physician, Associate Researcher, and PhD Supervisor at Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine; MD.

•Professor Zhang Chunlin, Deputy Director of the Radiation Oncology Research Center and Director of Ward 1, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital.

•Professor Liu Xiaojun, Chief Physician, MD, PhD Supervisor, Gansu Provincial People's Hospital.

•Professor Song Feixue, Director and Chief Physician of the Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University.

•Professor Du Lanning, Chief Physician, Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University.•Professor Ran Juntao, Chief Physician, MD, Associate Professor, PhD Supervisor, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University.

Leaders and experts from the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) and Taiji Company included:

•Researcher Xiao Guoqing, Former President of the Lanzhou Branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

•Comrade Song Hualong, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of the IMP.

•Comrade Li Peng, Chief Engineer of Taiji Company.

Also present were experts and scholars from the national healthcare sector, representatives from partner enterprises, all hospital leaders and staff representatives from Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital, as well as friends from various news media outlets.

During the conference, and witnessed by all attendees, the special issue on heavy-ion tumor therapy by Health Worldjournal of the Chinese Medical Association was officially released.

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At this academic symposium, top experts from the industry gathered to share insights and deliver outstanding presentations:

•Professor Wang Junjie, Director of the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Wuwei Cancer Hospital, Gansu Province, presented a report titled Brachytherapy and Ablation.

•Professor Ye Yancheng, President of Wuwei Cancer Hospital, Gansu Province, delivered a report titled Clinical Application Effect Evaluation of Heavy Ion Innovative Technology.

•Dr. Ma Lin, Chief Physician of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, gave a report titled Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.

•Professor Zeng Zhaochong, Chief Physician, Second-Level Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor at Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, presented a report titled Interpretation of the Radiotherapy Section in the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Primary Liver Cancer.

•Professor Li Jian, Chief Physician of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Peking University First Hospital, delivered a report titled Exploration of True Classification, Staging, Optimal Treatment, and Evaluation of Lung Cancer.

•Associate Professor Jiang Ping, Associate Chief Physician, Master's Supervisor at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, gave a report titled Research Progress on the CC Series Studies of Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer.

•Professor Chen Nianyong, Director of the Radiation Oncology Discipline at West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Director of the Tumor Therapy and Immunology Research Laboratory, Professor, Chief Physician, and Doctoral Supervisor, presented a report titled Flash Radiotherapy Technology and Its Application Research.

•Professor Feng Qinfu, Department of Radiation Oncology at the Cancer Hospital Affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, delivered a report titled Discussion on Target Volumes and Planning for Heavy Ion Therapy in Lung Cancer.

•Professor Zhang Hongzhi, Deputy Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology and Chief Physician at the Cancer Hospital Affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, gave a report titled Innovative Technologies Leading the Transformation of Radiotherapy Models.

•Professor Zhang Yanshan, Vice President of Wuwei Cancer Hospital, Gansu Province, presented a report titled Heavy Ion Therapy for Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

•Professor Zhang Qiuning, Vice President of the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Wuwei Cancer Hospital, Gansu Province, Researcher, Chief Physician, and Doctoral Supervisor, delivered a report titled Research Progress on Key Clinical Application Technologies of Domestic Heavy Ion Cancer Therapy.

•Professor Li Xiaojun, Vice President of the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Wuwei Cancer Hospital, Gansu Province, gave a report titled Clinical Practice and Research at the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center.

•Chief Physician Zhang Yingdong, Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology III at the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center, Wuwei Cancer Hospital, Gansu Province, presented a report titled Typical Cases of Carbon Ion Radiotherapy.

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Over the past year, the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province has taken discipline development as its guiding principle, simultaneously enhancing equipment configuration and talent team quality to lay a solid foundation for high-quality development.

The outpatient department has established specialized clinics such as the VIP Clinic with Renowned Experts from Beijing and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Master Clinics, while the inpatient department is equipped with four major departments specializing in heavy ion and photon radiotherapy, as well as multidisciplinary comprehensive departments—forming a distinctive and comprehensive disciplinary system.

In terms of medical technology, the center is fully equipped with 120 advanced devices, including GE’s 256-slice diagnostic CT and United Imaging’s 3.0T simulation and positioning MRI. Currently, the DSA interventional operating room is about to become operational, and the Nuclear Medicine Department along with the radionuclide ward are in the renovation phase, ensuring continuous upgrading of diagnostic and therapeutic hardware.

Significant progress has also been made in talent team development. Fifty expert workstations led by top domestic authorities are operating on a regular basis, and six internationally renowned scholars from Germany, Italy, Japan, and other countries serve as visiting professors. Together, they form an elite, China-West integrated clinical team that provides strong support for the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and the delivery of precision medical services.

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The Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province has always remained committed to its founding mission of serving the people through healthcare, achieving dual breakthroughs in enhancing diagnostic and treatment capabilities and expanding public welfare services.

In terms of clinical care, the center has successfully treated over 50 types of malignant tumors, including lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and glioblastoma. It has implemented a weekly Thursday online multidisciplinary consultation mechanism in collaboration with Peking University-affiliated hospitals, and has pioneered a range of advanced treatment modalities such as carbon ion radiotherapy, cellular immunotherapy, and TCM-based rehabilitation therapy—delivering “personalized” and precision treatment plans tailored to each patient.

In the area of public welfare, the center holds monthly free clinics featuring nationally renowned experts. The Mother River · Cancer Prevention and Treatment Public Welfare Projecthas reached all 14 prefecture-level cities and prefectures in Gansu Province. Additionally, expert consultation centers have been established in over 10 medical institutions across the province and beyond, and the center has taken the lead in forming the Gansu Heavy Ion Radiotherapy Alliance, which includes 38 participating institutions—helping bring high-end medical resources to the grassroots level.

At the same time, the center has introduced an optimized fee structure—49,500 RMB for the first treatment session, with a maximum cap of 150,000 RMB per treatment course—and has improved coordination with insurance reimbursement policies, significantly reducing the financial burden on patients and enabling more individuals to access internationally leading treatment technologies.

It is reported that on November 8, the center also held a large-scale free clinic event featuring renowned experts, as a gesture of gratitude for the support and trust from all sectors of society.

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Scientific research innovation and academic exchange have become key drivers of the center’s development, injecting new momentum into the advancement of the industry.

Relying on the Joint Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Physics and Applicationsat Northwest Normal University, the center has carried out a series of innovative studies in fields such as radiation physics and dose monitoring. It has also contributed to the compilation of authoritative monographs, including the Carbon Ion Therapy Series on Precision Radiotherapy for Tumors, providing a "China Solution" to the formulation of industry standards.

Over the past year, the center has successfully hosted multiple national academic conferences, received visits and study tours from medical institutions across various provinces and cities, and accommodated trainees from hospitals at all levels nationwide. In addition, it has engaged in in-depth technical discussions with experts from China, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries, establishing a high-level platform for academic exchange that spans regions and borders. These efforts have effectively promoted the dissemination, innovation, and development of heavy ion therapy technology.

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Zhang Weihong, Secretary of the Party Committee of Wuwei Cancer Hospital, Gansu Province.

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Wang Junjie, Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Chinese Medical Association and President of the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Wuwei Cancer Hospital, Gansu Province.

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Shen Wenjiang, Lifetime Honorary Professor of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Peking University Health Science Center and Chief Physician.

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Professor Fu Wei, President of Peking University Third Hospital.

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Wei Junmin, President of Health WorldMagazine, Chinese Medical Association.

After the conference, the attending experts conducted an on-site inspection of the treatment hall and other facilities, and spoke highly of the center’s forward-looking planning and its comprehensive, full-chain diagnostic and therapeutic system.

As a core component of the world’s only dual-center collaborative model operating two heavy ion therapy systems, the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center at Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province benefits from the spillover effect of eight “firsts in China and the world” technological achievements from the Wuwei Heavy Ion Center. Its heavy ion therapy technology functions like “precision blasting,” capable of accurately targeting tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. In addition, with its comfortable campus environment and intelligent services, the center has significantly enhanced the overall medical recovery and wellness experience for patient

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Looking ahead, the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center will take the first anniversary of its opening as a new starting point. It will focus on the deployment of cutting-edge technologies such as light ion therapy and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), and continue to deepen the development of scientific and innovation platforms, the cultivation and introduction of high-level talent, and the formulation of industry standards. The center is steadily advancing toward its goal of becoming “the most comprehensively equipped national regional medical center for tumor radiotherapy in western China.”

From breaking international monopolies to establishing Chinese standards, and from serving domestic patients to benefiting people around the globe, the center is forging ahead with the stature of a “Chinese benchmark.” It is making a powerful contribution from Gansu to safeguarding human life and health, and to building a global community of health for all.

Preliminary Review: Zhang Jie

Final Review: Ma Shuqian

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