Suffering from cancer is unfortunate, but being born in this era is fortunate. In 2021, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and fell into despair. Fortunately, the Aipuqiang domestic proton therapy system at Ruijin Hospital is recruiting clinical trial volunteers, and I signed up without hesitation, becoming the first prostate cancer patient to benefit. The treatment process is painless and non-invasive, and the medical team is professional and meticulous. The results of the three-and-a-half-year follow-up examination are normal! Thank you for the 'national treasure' brought by the progress of science and technology, which allows ordinary people to enjoy cutting-edge medical care Mr. Zheng, one of the first patients to receive Ruijin proton therapy, was filled with joy and emotion.
Today (April 15th), the 31st National Cancer Prevention and Control Promotion Week kicked off, with the theme of "Scientific Cancer Prevention, Healthy Life", focusing on the latest developments in the field of cancer prevention and control. Since the first domestically produced proton therapy system (SAPT-PS-01) was officially put into clinical use at the Cancer Proton Center of Ruijin Hospital in November 2023, this "national treasure" has provided precise treatment for 600 patients in just two years. The treatment range has expanded to nearly 50 types, covering common radiotherapy indications and clinical application scenarios, bringing new hope to cancer patients.
Proton therapy is currently the most advanced tumor radiation therapy technology, with significant advantages such as precise targeting and reduced side effects. Compared to traditional photon radiation therapy, proton therapy, with its "Bragg peak" physical properties, can achieve millimeter level precision targeted therapy, significantly improving tumor control while maximizing protection of surrounding normal tissues. It has the double advantages of efficacy and safety in children's tumors, central nervous system tumors, head and neck tumors, recurrent radiotherapy, tumors at complex anatomical sites, as well as breast cancer, prostate cancer, lymphoma and other patients who need to avoid long-term side effects.
Ruijin Hospital first launched proton therapy for pediatric/adolescent tumors in Shanghai in August 2023, and has since continuously expanded its indications for pediatric and adolescent tumors. At present, a total of 23 pediatric and adolescent cancer patients have been admitted, with the youngest child under the age of 4. All patients have been treated smoothly and have achieved good efficacy and safety results.
At the same time, APQ domestic proton device has played a therapeutic role for many patients with multiple organ complex failure, including pituitary sarcoma patients with pituitary crisis, esophageal cancer and lung cancer patients with severe chronic heart failure and severe pulmonary ventilation insufficiency, breast cancer patients with severe heart failure and uremia, gynecological tumor patients with uremia, and so on. Through a multidisciplinary collaboration mechanism, basic diseases are systematically managed while controlling tumors, ensuring that patients can successfully complete anti-cancer proton therapy and achieving synergistic optimization of organ function protection and precise tumor treatment.
Building a proton radiotherapy intelligent decision-making system centered on maximizing patient benefits
Ruijin Hospital actively participates in the standardized construction of proton therapy in China, and collaborates with multiple domestic tumor particle centers and experts to develop proton therapy technology standards and clinical application guidelines. "Chen Jiayi, director of the Radiation Therapy Department at Ruijin Hospital, introduced that while further expanding its indications, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Proton Therapy Conversion Research (preparatory) jointly established by Ruijin Hospital and Aipuqiang Company will also be committed to breaking through the key technology of proton therapy" bottleneck "under the guidance of clinical needs.
The charging standard for Ruijin proton therapy is a maximum of 170000 yuan per course for the same indication, which can be included in the reimbursement scope of programs such as "Shanghai Huibao" and commercial medical insurance. Focusing on the policy of benefiting the people through proton therapy, Ruijin Hospital is committed to further reducing the economic burden of patients receiving proton therapy and launching the "Quality Benefit Protection Ruijin Customized Edition". The "Quality Benefit Insurance" policy covers the age range of 0-60 years old and is specifically designed for Ruijin Proton Therapy Universal Insurance, providing accessible treatment protection for more patients.
Today, Ruijin Cancer Proton Center established the "Same Quality and Same Heart" Ruixiaohu Proton Therapy Home, launching the "Ruixiaohu" full course management model, providing patients with high-quality nursing services throughout the entire course of the disease through a standardized diagnosis and treatment nursing collaboration system. Each patient will receive the full companionship of "Ruixiaohu" and peer support from previous patients, covering seamless management from initial diagnosis and evaluation to 5-year follow-up, creating a warm recovery harbor for cancer patients.
Ning Guang, an academician of the CAE Member and president of Ruijin Hospital, said that Ruijin Hospital worked with national enterprises to grow together, moved the factory to the hospital, established the factory in the hospital, and after more than ten years of dedicated research and development, finally achieved a breakthrough in the localization of high-end medical equipment. Ruijin Hospital will continue to promote innovation and breakthroughs in the field of proton therapy in China, standardize the establishment of a comprehensive cancer treatment system, and provide patients with higher quality comprehensive diagnosis and treatment services. We will also remain steadfast and work with national enterprises to continuously innovate. We hope that the technology developed from Ruijin Hospital can benefit more people and equip more hospitals.
