Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital

Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital: A National Treasure for World-Class Precision Cancer Treatment

I. Hospital Overview

Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital (also known as “Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Hospital” or " Proton and Heavy Ion Center of Fudan University Cancer Hospital") is the world's fourth and China's first tertiary-level Class A specialized cancer hospital equipped with both proton and carbon ion therapy technologies. Jointly established by the Shanghai Municipal Government and Fudan University, it officially opened in 2015 as a key medical facility supporting Shanghai's development as a globally influential hub for scientific and technological innovation.

Located at 4365 Kangxin Highway, Pudong New Area, Shanghai (near Shanghai International Medical Park), adjacent to Shanghai Disney Resort, the hospital occupies 150,000 square meters. Phase I construction spans 52,000 square meters with 220 beds (all dedicated to oncology). Designated as the “Quality Control Center for Radiation Oncology” by China's National Health Commission, the hospital leverages clinical and research resources from Fudan University Cancer Hospital (China's top-ranked oncology institution). Specializing in precision radiation therapy for malignant tumors, it has treated over 23,000 domestic and international patients (as of 2025) from more than 30 countries and regions worldwide, earning recognition as a “national treasure in cancer treatment.”

II. Technological Advantages: Redefining the “Gold Standard” for Precision Cancer Treatment

Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital centers its approach on proton and heavy ion therapy, establishing an internationally leading and uniquely domestic technical matrix in precision radiation oncology:

• Dual-Beam Therapy System: One of the world's few hospitals equipped with both proton (250 MeV) and heavy ion (carbon ions, 70-430 MeV) accelerators. Proton therapy precisely releases energy through the “Bragg peak” effect, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Heavy ion therapy leverages its stronger biological effect (RBE 2-3 times that of protons) to significantly target hypoxic tumor cells (resistant to conventional radiotherapy). Combined application covers over 90% of malignant tumors.

• Personalized Treatment Plans: For head and neck tumors (nasopharyngeal carcinoma, laryngeal cancer), thoracic tumors (lung cancer, esophageal cancer), abdominal tumors (liver cancer, pancreatic cancer), pelvic tumors (prostate cancer, cervical cancer), and pediatric tumors (medulloblastoma, glioma), we establish a multidimensional assessment system integrating imaging, pathology, and molecular typing. This enables tailored plans such as “single-beam/mixed-beam,” " large-field/conventional-field" approaches. This achieves a 15%-30% improvement in local tumor control rates compared to conventional radiotherapy.

• Proprietary Core Technologies: Breaking foreign technological monopolies, we independently developed key technologies including the “Proton and Heavy Ion Therapy Planning System (Pinnacle)”, “Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)”, and “Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART)”. Our “Heavy Ion Beam Energy Modulation Technology” holds a national invention patent, achieving sub-millimeter treatment precision (error <1mm).

• Low-Side-Effect Advantage: Proton and heavy-ion therapy reduces acute radiation injuries (e.g., mucositis, radiation pneumonitis) by 50% compared to conventional radiotherapy, while lowering late adverse effects (e.g., secondary cancer risk) by 30%. It is particularly suitable for pediatric tumors, elderly patients, and individuals with underlying medical conditions.

III. Leading Specialties: Focusing on Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Throughout the Cancer Care Cycle

Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital centers its approach on “precision radiation therapy for cancer,” establishing a comprehensive specialty system covering the entire care continuum from diagnosis to treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up. Its core leading specialties include:

• Radiation Oncology Department (National Key Clinical Specialty): Comprising proton therapy, heavy ion therapy, and photon therapy units, it treats over 5,000 patients annually. Proton/heavy ion therapy accounts for more than 70% of cases, with treatment volume and efficacy ranking among the world's highest.

• Head and Neck Oncology: Offers integrated “proton/heavy ion + concurrent chemotherapy” for nasopharyngeal, laryngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancers, achieving 85% 5-year survival rates (for locally advanced cases) and over 90% laryngeal function preservation.

• Thoracic Oncology Specialty: Focusing on lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and mediastinal tumors, the department employs “heavy ion high-dose fractionation radiotherapy” for early-stage lung cancer (≤3cm), achieving a local control rate exceeding 95% and “surgical-level” efficacy. For locally advanced esophageal cancer, combination immunotherapy extends overall survival to over 30 months.

• Abdominal Oncology Specialty: Prioritizing hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma, we implement “proton/heavy ion + targeted therapy.” Hepatocellular carcinoma patients achieve an 80% one-year survival rate (for unresectable lesions), while pancreatic cancer patients experience over 90% pain relief.

• Pediatric Oncology Specialty: For malignant tumors like medulloblastoma, glioma, and neuroblastoma, leveraging proton therapy's “low-dose scattering” advantage reduces radiation exposure to normal brain tissue by 60% in children under 3 years old, significantly minimizing developmental impacts.

• Comprehensive Oncology Department: Integrates surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy to provide “conversion therapy” (e.g., surgery after radiotherapy downstaging) and “palliative care” (relieving pain, obstruction, etc.) for advanced-stage patients, achieving an 85% improvement rate in quality of life.

IV. Department Structure: A “Closed-Loop Oncology Care System” Covering the Entire Process

Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital's departmental structure is tightly aligned with oncology care needs, forming an integrated “diagnosis-treatment-support-follow-up” layout:

• Clinical Departments:

• Core Specialties: Radiation Oncology (Proton/Heavy Ion/Photon), Head and Neck Oncology, Thoracic Oncology, Abdominal Oncology, Pediatric Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Treatment.

• Supportive Specialties: Medical Oncology (Chemotherapy/Targeted/Immunotherapy), Surgical Oncology (Minimally Invasive Surgery), Interventional Oncology (Embolization/Ablation), Anesthesiology (Pain-Free Radiotherapy), Rehabilitation Medicine (Postoperative Functional Recovery).

• Medical Technology Departments:

• Diagnostic Imaging: Radiology (3.0T MRI, PET-CT, Spiral CT), Ultrasound Medicine (Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound, Interventional Ultrasound).

• Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics: Pathology (Whole Slide Digitalization, Multi-Omics Testing), Molecular Pathology (Genetic Sequencing, PD-L1 Expression Testing).

• Laboratory & Radiation Technology:

• Laboratory Medicine (tumor marker testing), Radiation Technology Department (equipment maintenance, dose verification).

• Specialized Centers:

• Proton & Heavy Ion Therapy Center (one of the world's few “dual-beam” centers), Multidisciplinary Diagnosis & Treatment (MDT) Center (covering over 20 cancer types), Clinical Trials Center (leading international multicenter studies), Cancer Follow-up Center (lifelong health management).

V. Medical Equipment: World-Class Technology Enabling Precision Treatment

Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital is equipped with internationally leading cancer diagnosis and treatment devices, providing robust support for proton and heavy ion therapy:

• Proton and Heavy Ion Therapy Systems:

• German IBA ProteusPLUS Proton Therapy System (250 MeV energy, featuring pencil beam scanning technology);

• Toshiba Heavy Ion Therapy System (Japan) (carbon ion energy 70-430 MeV, featuring a gantry rotation system and dynamic intensity-modulated radiation therapy);

• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) Systems: Including Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and Magnetic Resonance-Guided Radiation Therapy (MRgRT) for real-time image calibration before and during treatment.

• Diagnostic Imaging Equipment: Philips Ingenia 3.0T MRI (high soft tissue resolution for tumor margin delineation), Siemens Biograph mCT Flow PET-CT (whole-body metabolic imaging for early detection of metastases).

• Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics Equipment: Roche Ventana fully automated immunohistochemistry staining system (precise detection of tumor markers), Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencer (whole-exome sequencing to guide targeted therapy).

• Radiotherapy Support Equipment: Elekta Synergy linear accelerator (backup photon radiotherapy device), Varian Eclipse treatment planning system (optimizing radiation dose distribution).

VI. International Patient Services: The “Chinese Solution” in Global Healthcare

As China's first JCI-accredited (Joint Commission International) specialized cancer hospital, we pursue “internationalization, standardization, and humanization” to deliver comprehensive international medical services:

• Multilingual Barrier-Free Communication: Staffed with dedicated translators for 10 languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, and French (including medical specialists), offering bilingual guidance throughout outpatient visits, examinations, and hospitalization. Key signage (department signs, test forms, medication instructions) is bilingual in Chinese and English, with important notices available in Japanese and Korean.

• Dedicated International Facilities: An independent “International Medical Department” features private consultation rooms, multilingual waiting areas (with translation devices), and international patient rooms (single rooms/suites with private bathrooms, satellite TV, and international roaming internet). Maternity amenities include cribs, bottle warmers, and sterilization equipment.

• Direct Billing for International Insurance: Contracts with over 30 global insurers, including MSH (Mitsui Sumitomo Health), Cigna, Aetna, and Tokio Marine. Supports direct settlement for outpatient, inpatient, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical costs, covering major insurance plans from the US, Europe, and Asia.

• Cross-border Medical Collaboration: Established “5G remote consultation” mechanisms with institutions including MD Anderson Cancer Center (USA), National Cancer Center (Japan), and Munich Proton Therapy Center (Germany), enabling real-time connections with overseas specialists for complex cases. Conducts joint research on pediatric tumor proton therapy with Harvard Medical School (USA).

• Cultural Adaptation Services: Offers customized dining options including halal meals, vegetarian dishes, and gluten-free diets. Respects religious customs (e.g., Islamic prayer rooms, Christian holiday observances). Nurses undergo cross-cultural communication training and master psychological support techniques for cancer patients.

VII. International Patient Testimonials: “Life-Changing Miracles, Warm Companionship”

• John (58, Prostate Cancer, USA): "I was diagnosed with castration-resistant prostate cancer in the U.S., where doctors recommended chemotherapy. But I heard Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Hospital's proton therapy was highly effective for prostate cancer. After treatment here, my tumor marker (PSA) dropped 80% in just 3 months! The doctors explained the treatment plan thoroughly in English, and the nurses even taught me how to track my progress via a mobile app—truly thoughtful."

• Japanese Patient Yuki (45, Nasopharyngeal Cancer): "I underwent two rounds of chemotherapy in Japan, but the tumor didn't shrink. Shanghai doctors recommended proton therapy. After completing 30 sessions, the tumor vanished completely! During treatment, nurses reminded me daily in Japanese to hydrate and rest. They even gifted me a cherry blossom bookmark as a keepsake. I'll forever cherish this warmth."

• German patient Thomas (32, post-medulloblastoma surgery): "My 6-year-old son needed radiation after surgery, but conventional therapy risked cognitive impairment. Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Hospital's pediatric oncology department used proton therapy, delivering precise dose distribution. After treatment, my child's cognitive test scores showed no decline! The doctors even helped us connect with rehabilitation facilities in Germany. We are truly grateful."

VIII. Contact Information, Address, and Transportation Routes

• Hospital Address: 4365 Kangxin Highway, Pudong New Area, Shanghai (near Shanghai International Medical Park)

• Consultation Hotline: 021-68280000 (Main Switchboard); 021-68280000 ext. 6000 (International Medical Department); 021-68280120 (Emergency)

Transportation Routes:

• Subway: Exit 3 at Kangxin Highway Station (Line 16), approximately 10-minute walk;

• Bus: Pudong Route 58 (Kangxin Highway/Zhou Deng Highway Station), Route 1090 (Kangxin Highway/Xiupu Road Station);

• Driving: Underground parking available (entrance east of 4365 Kangxin Highway). Free parking for 2 hours if arriving before 8:00 AM on weekdays.

• Airport/High-Speed Rail Station:

• Pudong International Airport: Take Metro Line 2 → Transfer to Line 16 at Longyang Road Station → Get off at Kangxin Highway Station (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes);

• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport/Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station: Take Metro Line 2 → Transfer to Line 16 at Longyang Road Station → Get off at Kangxin Highway Station (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes);

• Shanghai Railway Station: Take Metro Line 4 (Pudong Avenue direction) → transfer to Line 16 at Century Avenue Station → get off at Kangxin Highway Station (approx. 1 hour).

Summary

Since treating its first patient in 2015, Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital has spent a decade transforming “national heavy equipment” into “hope for life.” Here, not only does it possess world-leading tumor treatment technology, but it also upholds the founding principle of “patient-centered care,” lighting the dawn of life for every patient. Whether for local patients or international friends, this institution remains the “Chinese benchmark” in tumor treatment—because reverence for life never wavers due to language or nationality.

Document dated 2025-09-11 22:32 Modify