CGN Nuclear Technology Development, a subsidiary of China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), has made a significant breakthrough in the field of cancer treatment with the production of China’s first proton therapy cyclotron at its facility in Mianyang, Sichuan province. This milestone is part of the company’s broader strategy to localize proton therapy technology, aiming to address the growing demand for advanced cancer treatments in China.
Meeting the Surge in Cancer Cases
Proton therapy, a precise form of radiation therapy considered the gold standard for certain types of cancer, is recognized for its ability to target tumors with high precision while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This technology has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for cancer patients, particularly in areas where conventional therapies may be less effective or cause significant side effects.
China, with its high cancer burden, reported 4.57 million new cancer cases in 2020, accounting for 23.7% of the global total. The country also had a cancer-related mortality rate of 3 million, representing around 30% of the worldwide total. Given these statistics, there is a pressing need for advanced treatment options like proton therapy, which CGN is now working to meet through its localized production efforts.
Full Autonomy and Localization Plans
Duan Weisheng, the chief designer for CGN’s proton therapy project, shared that the company has achieved full autonomy in the development and production of proton therapy systems. This includes research and development, supply chain management, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of the equipment. CGN’s move towards self-sufficiency is particularly noteworthy in light of the global competitiveness in proton therapy technology.
By 2027, CGN plans to domestically produce over 50% of the 227 primary components of its proton therapy systems, with full localization expected to exceed 80% by 2030. This shift towards local production is expected to reduce the cost of proton therapy equipment and its maintenance, making this highly advanced form of treatment more accessible to a broader number of patients across China.
Key Features of the New Proton Therapy System
The new proton therapy system developed by CGN features a number of advanced innovations, including the first domestically manufactured 360-degree rotating gantry. This technology is crucial because it allows for precise adjustments of the irradiation angle, which is essential for targeting tumors from multiple directions without the need to move the patient. This increases the accuracy of the treatment, especially in delicate areas such as the nasopharynx, head and neck, and pelvic region, where tumors are often harder to treat with traditional methods.
Moreover, the new system boasts the world’s largest irradiation field at 30 cm by 40 cm and the smallest beam spot size, both of which contribute to improved precision and better treatment outcomes. These capabilities will be particularly beneficial in treating complex cases of cancer where accuracy is paramount.
Growing Demand for Proton Therapy in China
While CGN’s efforts to produce proton therapy equipment domestically are a significant step forward, Tang Hongbo, deputy general manager of CGN Medical Technology (Mianyang) Company, highlighted that the proton therapy market in China is still in its early stages. There is substantial demand for proton therapy machines, with China needing approximately 700 proton therapy rooms to meet patient needs. However, fewer than 100 rooms have been completed or are under construction, pointing to a gap in supply that CGN aims to help fill with its localized solutions.
Long-term Impact on Cancer Treatment
The introduction of locally produced proton therapy systems is expected to have a transformative impact on cancer treatment in China. As the production of proton therapy equipment becomes more localized, the costs of both the machines and their maintenance are expected to decrease, making this state-of-the-art treatment more affordable and accessible to the country’s growing population of cancer patients.
By addressing both the high cost and limited availability of proton therapy machines, CGN is contributing to a long-term solution to China’s cancer treatment challenges. This effort is part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in China’s healthcare sector, particularly in the face of increasing cancer diagnoses and the country’s growing demand for more advanced medical technologies.
The successful production of China’s first domestic proton therapy cyclotron by CGN Nuclear Technology is a key milestone in the country’s efforts to advance its healthcare infrastructure and provide more affordable, precise cancer treatments. With plans for extensive localization and a growing capacity to manufacture these advanced systems domestically, CGN is well-positioned to meet China’s substantial demand for proton therapy and contribute significantly to the nation’s healthcare transformation.