Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center

Welcome to One of Asia's Premier Cancer Care Institutions

Nestled in the heart of Guangzhou, China, the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) stands as a beacon of hope for cancer patients from across the globe. Since its establishment in March 1964, this institution has grown from one of China's earliest four tumor hospitals into the nation's largest and most academically robust oncology base, integrating medical care, education, research, and prevention under one roof.

About the Center

What Makes SYSUCC Special?

The center operates across two campuses—Yuexiu and Huangpu—with a combined capacity of 2,243 open beds. More than 2,500 dedicated staff members work tirelessly here, including 112 master's supervisors and 72 doctoral supervisors. The institution boasts an impressive roster of academic excellence: three academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, one from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and ten recipients of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars.

Institutional Classification

• Hospital Type: Specialized Cancer Hospital
• Hospital Grade: Grade III Class A (China's highest hospital rating)
• Operational Nature: Public, non-profit medical institution
• Affiliation: Sun Yat-sen University, under the supervision of the National Health Commission

Certifications and Accreditations

The center's commitment to excellence is reflected in its numerous certifications and partnerships:

National-Level Recognitions:

• National Key Discipline (Oncology)
• State Key Laboratory of Malignancy Prevention and Treatment in South China
• Ministry of Education Key Laboratory
• National New Drug (Anti-tumor) Clinical Trial Research Center
• WHO Collaborating Center for Cancer Research

International Partnerships:
Since 2003, SYSUCC has maintained a sister hospital relationship with the world-renowned M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in the United States, facilitating ongoing knowledge exchange and collaborative research initiatives.

Additional Distinctions:

• Guangdong Provincial Cancer Center
• Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Research Institute
• First pilot hospital for multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of tumors (digestive system) in China, selected in December 2018

Departments and Specialized Services

The center offers comprehensive coverage across all major oncology disciplines:

Medical Oncology Series:

• Medical Oncology
• Hematologic Oncology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Integrated Medicine
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Biotherapy Center

Surgical Series:

• Head and Neck Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery
• Breast Oncology
• Urologic Oncology
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Neuro-Oncology

Radiation Oncology Series:

• Radiation Therapy
• Image-Guided Radiotherapy
• Proton Therapy (available at Huangpu campus)

Supportive Departments:

• Pathology
• Radiology and Imaging
• Laboratory Medicine
• Nuclear Medicine
• Ultrasound and Electrocardiography
• Endoscopy Center
• Pain Management
• Palliative Care
• Nutrition Services
• Psychological Support

Campus Environment and Facilities

Yuexiu Campus (Main Campus)
Located at 651 Dongfeng East Road, this campus features three main buildings: Building 1, Building 2, and the Radiation Therapy Center. The facility combines modern medical architecture with patient-friendly design, creating a healing environment that balances clinical efficiency with comfort.

Huangpu Campus
The newer campus expands the center's capabilities with state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced proton therapy equipment and expanded research laboratories.

Modern Amenities:

• Digital registration and payment systems
• Multilingual signage throughout facilities
• Dedicated international patient waiting areas
• Pharmacy services on-site
• Medical records management with electronic health records
• Comfortable inpatient rooms with private and semi-private options
• Family accommodation services for accompanying relatives

World-Renowned Medical Experts

Academician Xu Ruihua
Director, President, and Chief Expert in Colorectal Cancer

Professor Xu, elected to the Chinese Academy of Engineering in 2025, brings 36 years of experience in gastrointestinal tumor treatment and research. His expertise spans colorectal, gastric, esophageal, pancreatic, and liver cancers. With 45 research findings incorporated into 57 international guidelines including the American NCCN guidelines, he has received two National Science and Technology Progress Awards and six first-class provincial and ministerial awards.

Academician Ma Jun
Executive Deputy Director and Chief Expert in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

A pioneer in nasopharyngeal carcinoma research, Academician Ma was elected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2023. His work focuses on enhancing treatment efficacy while reducing toxicity for nasopharyngeal cancer patients.

Academician Zeng Musheng
Deputy Director and Chief Expert in EB Virus Research

Elected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2025, Professor Zeng leads groundbreaking research on Epstein-Barr virus carcinogenesis mechanisms. He serves as Chairman of the International Association for EB Virus and Related Diseases Research.

Academician Sun Ying
Deputy Director and Chief Expert in Head and Neck Oncology

Specializing in clinical diagnosis, radiation therapy, and comprehensive treatment of head and neck tumors, particularly nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Additional Distinguished Experts:

• Academician Zeng Yixin: Tumor pathogenesis and biotherapy
• Academician Lin Dongxin (Visiting): Molecular mechanisms of malignant tumor development
• Academician Huang Xiaojun (Visiting): Clinical and translational research on malignant blood diseases

Specialized Treatments and Technical Advantages

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treatment
SYSUCC leads the world in nasopharyngeal carcinoma research and treatment, developing innovative protocols that have become international standards. The center's approach combines precision radiation therapy with targeted chemotherapy, achieving superior survival rates.

Gastrointestinal Tumor Care
Under Professor Xu's leadership, the center has pioneered numerous treatment protocols for colorectal, gastric, and esophageal cancers. Their research on targeted therapy and immunotherapy has been incorporated into global treatment guidelines.

EB Virus-Related Cancer Research
The center's unique expertise in Epstein-Barr virus-related cancers has led to breakthrough discoveries in viral carcinogenesis mechanisms and the development of innovative vaccine candidates.

Advanced Treatment Technologies:

• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
• Proton Beam Therapy
• Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery
• CAR-T Cell Therapy
• Precision Medicine and Genomic Profiling
• AI-Assisted Diagnosis (including the industry's first colorectal cancer diagnosis large model "TianShu")

Clinical Trial Opportunities:
As the National New Drug Clinical Trial Research Center, SYSUCC offers international patients access to cutting-edge clinical trials and experimental therapies not yet available elsewhere.

International Patient Services

Contact Information

International Patient Services Office

• General Hotline: +86-20-8734-3000
• Outpatient Consultation: +86-20-8734-3571
• Registration & Inquiry: +86-20-8734-3533 / 8734-3235
• Email: Available through the international services portal on the website

Location and Transportation

Address: 651 Dongfeng East Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China

By Metro:

• Line 5 to Ouzhuang Station, Exit E
• Approximately 5 minutes walking distance

By Bus:
Multiple routes serve the area, with three nearby stops:

• Xianlie Nan Lu (先烈南路): Routes 11, 54, 56, 62, 65, 74, 85, 133, 209, 236, 293, 546, B3, B3A, B3B, B3C

From Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport:

• Approximately 45 minutes by taxi
• Metro Line 3 transfer to Line 5

From Guangzhou South Railway Station:

• Approximately 40 minutes by taxi
• Metro Line 2 transfer to Line 5

Registration Process for International Patients

Step 1: Pre-Arrangement
All outpatient visits require advance appointment scheduling. Walk-in registrations are not accepted for outpatient services.

Step 2: Appointment Methods

Option A: Mobile Application
Download the "Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center Mobile Healthcare" (中肿掌上就医) APP from your device's app store. The application supports both Chinese and English interfaces.

Option B: WeChat Official Account
Follow the center's official WeChat account and access the registration portal through the menu.

Option C: International Patient Services
Contact the International Patient Services Office directly for assistance with appointment scheduling, particularly for complex cases requiring coordination between multiple departments.

Step 3: Required Documentation

• Valid passport
• Previous medical records and imaging studies (translated into English or Chinese if possible)
• Pathology reports
• Current medication list
• Insurance information (if applicable)

Step 4: Arrival and Check-in
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Visit the International Patient Services desk for check-in assistance and translation services if needed.

Patient Journey: What to Expect

First Visit:
Your initial consultation typically includes a comprehensive review of your medical history, physical examination, and discussion of previous treatments. The physician will outline a preliminary treatment plan and order any necessary additional tests.

Diagnostic Phase:
Depending on your condition, you may undergo various diagnostic procedures including blood tests, imaging studies (CT, MRI, PET-CT), endoscopy, or biopsy. Most diagnostic results are available within 3-5 working days.

Treatment Planning:
For complex cases, the center employs a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach, where specialists from different departments collaborate to develop the most effective treatment strategy tailored to your specific condition.

Treatment Phase:
Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination thereof. The medical team will explain each step and address any concerns throughout the process.

Follow-Up Care:
After completing primary treatment, you will receive a detailed follow-up plan. The center offers telemedicine consultations for international patients who return to their home countries, allowing for continued monitoring and care coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you provide translation services?
A: Yes, the International Patient Services Office can arrange for professional medical interpreters. We recommend requesting this service when scheduling your appointment.

Q: Can international insurance be used?
A: The center accepts direct billing from some international insurance providers. Please contact the International Patient Services Office to verify whether your insurance is accepted. Self-payment is also available with receipts provided for insurance reimbursement.

Q: How long does a typical treatment course last?
A: Treatment duration varies significantly depending on the cancer type, stage, and chosen treatment protocol. Initial consultation and diagnostic workup typically require 5-7 days. Treatment courses can range from several weeks to several months.

Q: Can family members accompany patients?
A: Yes, family members are welcome to accompany patients. The center can provide information about nearby accommodation options for extended stays.

Q: Are medical records available in English?
A: Upon request, the center can provide medical records, pathology reports, and imaging reports in English. There may be additional fees for translation services.

Q: What about emergency services?
A: The center has a 24-hour emergency department. However, for international patients, we recommend contacting the International Patient Services Office during business hours for non-emergency concerns.

Q: Can I participate in clinical trials?
A: International patients may be eligible for certain clinical trials. Discuss this option with your treating physician, who can determine your eligibility based on your specific condition and the trial requirements.

Patient Experiences and Testimonials

International patients who have received care at SYSUCC consistently highlight several aspects of their experience:

Expertise and Innovation
Many patients specifically chose SYSUCC for its world-leading expertise in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and gastrointestinal tumors. The center's research-driven approach means patients often have access to the latest treatment protocols before they become widely available.

Comprehensive Care
The multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive coordinated care from multiple specialists, eliminating the need to seek opinions from different hospitals.

Value for Investment
While maintaining international quality standards, treatment costs at SYSUCC are generally lower than comparable institutions in North America, Europe, or other parts of Asia, making advanced cancer care more accessible.

Cultural Considerations
The International Patient Services team works diligently to bridge cultural and language barriers, ensuring that international patients feel comfortable and well-supported throughout their treatment journey.

Continuity of Care
Patients appreciate the center's commitment to long-term follow-up, including telemedicine options for those who return to their home countries after treatment.

Making Your Decision

Choosing a cancer treatment center is one of the most important decisions you will make. Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center offers a compelling combination of:

• World-class expertise with multiple academicians and internationally recognized specialists
• Cutting-edge technology including proton therapy and AI-assisted diagnosis
• Research leadership with findings incorporated into global treatment guidelines
• Comprehensive services covering all aspects of cancer care from diagnosis to survivorship
• International patient support with dedicated services for overseas patients
• Cost-effectiveness compared to similar institutions in developed countries

For international patients seeking exceptional cancer care in Asia, SYSUCC represents a destination where advanced medicine meets compassionate care, all within a framework of rigorous scientific excellence.

For the most current information, please visit the official English website or contact the International Patient Services Office directly. Treatment options and availability may vary based on individual circumstances and should be discussed with qualified medical professionals.

Document dated 2026-03-25 14:45 Modify