Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center

Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center: The “Pioneer in Cancer Control” Among National Regional Cancer Medical Centers

I. Hospital Overview

Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center is a Grade A tertiary specialized cancer hospital directly under the National Health Commission and affiliated with Sun Yat-sen University. As the largest and most comprehensive cancer prevention and research institution in southern China, it is hailed as “the southern bastion of cancer control in China.” The center traces its origins to the South China Cancer Hospital established in 1964. It was renamed the Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center of Sun Yat-sen University in 1985, underwent restructuring with Sun Yat-sen University in 2001, and was designated as the lead institution for the National Cancer Regional Medical Center (South China) in 2021. Today, it has evolved into a globally renowned cancer prevention and treatment center integrating medical care, education, research, prevention, and rehabilitation.

The center currently operates under a “one hospital, two campuses” structure: the main campus (Yuexiu Campus) is located in the core area of Guangzhou's Yuexiu District, while the Huangpu Campus (Science City Campus) serves the Greater Bay Area. The hospital offers over 3,000 inpatient beds, handles more than 1.8 million outpatient and emergency visits annually, admits over 120,000 patients yearly, and performs over 25,000 surgeries annually (with complex Grade III and IV procedures accounting for over 60%). It ranks among China's top three institutions for treating malignant tumors such as nasopharyngeal cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.

The center employs over 5,000 staff, including more than 800 senior-level experts. These include top scholars such as academicians holding dual appointments, recipients of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, and Changjiang Scholars, as well as leading figures in their fields such as the Chair of the Oncology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and the President of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association. The team has collectively received 15 national-level awards, including the National Science and Technology Progress Award and the Ho Leung Ho Lee Prize. It has led or participated in over 500 international multicenter clinical trials and developed more than 80 international/national cancer diagnosis and treatment guidelines. The center ranks among the top 10 global institutions in both research output and clinical influence within the field of cancer prevention and treatment.

II. Hospital Technical Advantages: Full-chain Precision Cancer Care, Leading International Frontiers

Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, with its core mission of “reducing cancer incidence and improving cure rates,” has established nationally leading technical strengths in early cancer screening, precision diagnosis and treatment, minimally invasive therapies, and immunotherapy:

1. Nasopharyngeal Cancer: The “Chinese Standard” in Global Diagnosis and Treatment

• Annual treatment volume exceeds 8,000 cases (40% of China's total), with a 5-year survival rate of 85% (world-leading);

• Pioneered the “Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) combined with Targeted Therapy” protocol, elevating local control rates to 95%;

• Established a “Plasma EB Virus DNA (ctDNA) Dynamic Monitoring” early screening system, achieving over 90% early diagnosis rates;

• Led development of the Chinese Nasopharyngeal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines, with findings incorporated into the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.

2. Lung Cancer: A Frontier of Comprehensive Treatment

• Annual lung cancer surgeries exceed 3,000, with minimally invasive thoracoscopic procedures accounting for over 90%; success rate for complex cases (e.g., central-type lung cancer, chest wall invasion) surpasses 95%;

• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors) cover over 90% of advanced patients, with nationally leading clinical application rates for post-drug-resistance solutions (e.g., bispecific antibodies, ADC drugs);

• Implementing “liquid biopsy (ctDNA)-guided personalized treatment” precisely matches targeted drugs, boosting response rates by 30%.

3. Colorectal Cancer: A Benchmark for Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Annual colorectal cancer surgeries exceed 2,500, with laparoscopic/robotic procedures accounting for over 80% and sphincter preservation rate (for low rectal cancer) reaching 75% (internationally advanced);

• Established a comprehensive MDT model integrating “preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy + surgery + adjuvant therapy,” achieving a 5-year survival rate exceeding 75% (national average: 60%);

• Pioneered “Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery (NOSES),” reducing postoperative recovery time by 50%.

4. Lymphoma: A Stronghold for Tackling Complex and Severe Cases

• Annual outpatient visits for lymphoma exceed 50,000; performs over 300 autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplants (ASCT) annually, achieving a 60% remission rate in relapsed/refractory patients;

• Utilizes “PET-CT combined with flow cytometry” for precise staging, achieving a cure rate exceeding 70% for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL);

• Leading clinical trials for novel CAR-T cell therapy in lymphoma, achieving 80% objective response rate (at the forefront internationally).

5. Breast Cancer: A Humanistic Model of Comprehensive Care

• Annual breast cancer surgeries exceed 2,000, with breast-conserving surgery rate surpassing 40% (above the national average of 25%) and breast reconstruction accounting for 30%;

• Established a full-cycle management system integrating “early screening (mammography + MRI) - precise diagnosis (pathological classification) - personalized treatment (endocrine/targeted/immunotherapy)”, achieving a 95% 5-year survival rate for early-stage patients;

• Implemented “Ovarian Function Suppression (OFS) combined with aromatase inhibitors” for high-risk premenopausal patients, reducing recurrence risk by 40%.

III. Hospital Specialty Strengths: Leading National Key Disciplines with Multi-Field International Accreditation

Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center boasts 6 National Key Clinical Specialties (Nasopharyngeal Cancer, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Thoracic Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Lymphoma) and 12 Guangdong Provincial Key Clinical Specialties (Breast Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Gynecologic Oncology, Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Oncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology, etc.), forming a disciplinary system characterized by “strong core specialties and comprehensive supporting disciplines”:

• Nasopharyngeal Cancer Department: Ranked No. 1 nationally for 12 consecutive years in Fudan University's China Hospital Specialty Rankings; designated as the National Cancer Center Nasopharyngeal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Quality Control Center;

• Medical Oncology Department: National Clinical Trial Research Center for Anticancer Drugs, conducting over 300 Phase I-III clinical trials annually (leading nationwide);

• Radiation Oncology: National Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, equipped with globally advanced systems including proton therapy (TOMO) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT);

• Thoracic Surgery (Lung Cancer): National Cancer Center Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Demonstration Center, performing over 500 Da Vinci robotic lung cancer surgeries annually (leading in South China);

• Lymphoma Department: Leading institution of the South China Lymphoma Diagnosis and Treatment Alliance, ranking among the top three nationally for CAR-T cell therapy cases.

IV. Departmental Structure: Comprehensive Cancer Coverage, Full-Cycle Management

Beyond specialized strengths, the center encompasses all cancer types including lung, breast, gastric, liver, pancreatic, prostate, and bone/soft tissue tumors. Departments include: Medical Oncology (targeted/immunotherapy/chemotherapy), Surgical Oncology (tumor resection), Radiation Oncology (conventional/precision radiotherapy), Interventional Oncology (ablation/arterial infusion), Pathology (molecular/digital pathology), Radiology (PET-CT/MRI), Nuclear Medicine (SPECT/PECT), and over 30 other clinical departments. Additionally, it houses more than 10 research platforms including a central laboratory, biobank, and translational medicine research center, delivering comprehensive services from early screening to post-treatment follow-up.

V. Medical Equipment: World-Class Technology for Precision Cancer Care

The center is equipped with globally leading oncology diagnostic and therapeutic devices to support precise diagnosis and treatment of complex cases:

• Radiotherapy Equipment: Proton Therapy System, TOMO Linear Accelerator, CyberKnife System, Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) System;

• Surgical Equipment: Da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot (Thoracic/Gynecologic Oncology), Fluorescence Laparoscopy (Gastrointestinal Oncology), Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) System;

• Imaging Diagnostics: PET-MR (South China's First), 3.0T MRI, Dual-Source CT, Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT);

• Molecular Diagnostics Equipment: Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Platform (covering 500+ tumor-related genes), Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) Detection System, Digital PCR Instrument;

• Therapeutic Equipment: Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) System, Microwave Ablation System, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) System.

VI. International Patient Services: Comprehensive Bilingual Support for a Global Cancer Care Platform

As a leading institution for international cancer care in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center offers seamless one-stop services for global patients:

• Language Services: Multilingual medical staff fluent in English, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and professional medical translators (including oncology terminology) provide support throughout consultations, examinations, and surgeries.

• International Medical Department: Dedicated area featuring premium outpatient clinics (by appointment) and VIP wards (including private rooms and suites), with direct billing for international insurance (covering over 60 major insurers from the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, etc.);

• Convenience Services: Visa extension assistance, multilingual patient guides (including department layouts and examination instructions), customized religious/dietary options (halal, kosher, vegetarian, etc.), cross-border shuttle services (via partnered international medical transport agencies);

• Remote Consultations: Collaborations with global leaders including MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), and The Royal Marsden Hospital enable cross-border remote case discussions and second opinions.

VII. International Patient Testimonials: “Technical Excellence, Humanistic Care”

• Mr. Robert (58, Nasopharyngeal Cancer), California, USA: I heard about Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center's nasopharyngeal cancer treatment at MD Anderson, and it truly lives up to its reputation! Proton therapy had almost no side effects. My follow-up CT scan shows the tumor has completely disappeared. The doctors patiently explained every treatment step in English. I'm so grateful."

• Ms. Li (45, Singapore, Breast Cancer): "I underwent breast-conserving surgery with reconstruction, and the results far exceeded my expectations! The nurses taught me daily postoperative rehabilitation exercises in English and even helped connect me with international rehabilitation organizations—truly thoughtful."

• Mr. Surya (62, colon cancer), Jakarta, Indonesia: “Through remote consultation, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center experts developed a personalized treatment plan for me. I underwent surgery in Guangzhou and was discharged within a week. The pathology department used digital slide technology to generate reports quickly, saving significant time.”

VIII. Contact Information, Address, and Transportation Routes

1. Main Campus (Yuexiu Campus)

• Address: 651 Dongfeng East Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (near Sun Yat-sen University North Campus)

• Telephone: 020-87343000 (Main Switchboard); International Medical Department: 020-87343200

Transportation Routes:

• Subway: Exit E at “Quzhuang Station” (Line 5), 5-minute walk;

• Bus: “Zhi Xin Road Station” or “Cancer Hospital Station” (B2, B3, B4, B5, etc.);

• Driving: Underground parking available (fee applies). Navigate to “Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center Yuexiu Campus”.

2. Huangpu Campus (Science City Campus)

• Address: 269 Kaitaidadao, Huangpu District, Guangzhou (near Xiangxue Station, Metro Line 6)

• Contact: 020-62988000 (Main Switchboard)

• Transportation: Exit F at Xiangxue Station (Metro Line 6), 10-minute walk; Bus: “Kaitai Avenue Station” (Routes 327, 336, 358, etc.).

Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center steadfastly upholds the principle of “People First, Life First.” Leveraging cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, an internationalized service system, and continuous scientific innovation, we consistently provide high-quality, compassionate cancer care to patients worldwide. We are committed to advancing the high-quality development of both the “Healthy China” initiative and global cancer prevention and control efforts.

Document dated 2025-09-11 23:20 Modify