Huizhou: An upgraded new-generation medical heavy-ion accelerator for cancer treatment is now under construction in a hospital in south China's Huizhou City, marking a significant advancement in homegrown high-end medical facilities for cancer patients.
According to Namibia Press Agency, this facility, the second-generation heavy-ion medical machine (SIMM), is slated to enter its installation and commissioning phase this year, as per the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The IMP stated that, compared to its predecessors, the new SIMM is being developed as a demonstration project for inclusive medical care at the Huizhou Central People's Hospital in Guangdong Province.
This SIMM represents the relentless efforts of Chinese scientists in upgrading large-scale medical facilities to enhance adaptability for medical use, as noted by the institute. It boasts several improvements, including increased cancer treatment efficiency, reduced volume, and decreased hospital operating costs and power consumption.
The IMP deputy director, Yang Jiancheng, highlighted that due to the unique physical and biological advantages of heavy-ion beams, they are renowned for their effectiveness against cancer cells and are regarded as a promising direction for cancer treatment. Heavy-ion radiotherapy is globally recognized as an advanced method, particularly suitable for certain solid tumors that are not amenable to surgery or conventional radiation and are prone to recurrence.
High-speed, heavy-ion beams produced by the accelerator target and destroy tumor cells in cancer patients. They precisely locate the lesion site and concentrate energy at the target location, increasing the likelihood of DNA double-strand breakage in tumor cells, leading to apoptosis. Compared to conventional radiotherapies, heavy-ion beams inflict less damage to surrounding healthy tissues, offer a shorter treatment course, and minimize pain, while limiting impact on patients' daily activities, according to Yang.
Yang further explained that the SIMM in Huizhou will feature higher beam intensity and operational efficiency, benefiting both patients and the hospital. Miniaturization is a key aspect, achieved by converting the SIMM into a longitudinal vertical structure, differing from the horizontal flat structure of the existing facility in Wuwei, Gansu Province. This results in a reduced circumference and less impact on the power grid, achieving eco-friendly operation and lower operating costs.
The continuous progress of medical heavy-ion accelerators reflects China's commitment to optimizing scientific and technological achievements to enhance public well-being. The IMP has been dedicated to developing these accelerators into high-end medical applications through independent breakthroughs in core technologies.
In March 2020, the IMP developed the country's first homegrown medical heavy-ion accelerator, operational at Wuwei Tumour Hospital in Gansu Province. By June 20 this year, over 2,020 patients, including international ones, received treatment for more than 40 types of tumors, as reported by Nie Peng, vice president of the hospital. These patients suffered from tumors in areas such as the central nervous system, chest, abdomen, and limbs.
The hospital's clinical trials showed promising survival rates, with 12-month and 36-month survival rates reaching 88.11 percent and 70.09 percent, respectively. Following the facility in Wuwei, similar accelerators are operational in Lanzhou, Hangzhou, and Putian, with ongoing construction in Nanjing, Changchun, and other cities. Further efforts are being made to advance the development of medical heavy-ion accelerators and other high-end medical equipment for precision radiotherapy, according to the IMP.