Core Viewpoint - The Shenzhen Proton Therapy Center has officially opened, marking the first integrated medical, research, and teaching facility for proton therapy in South China, providing advanced cancer treatment services [1][2]. Group 1: Facility Overview - The center covers a total area of 35,000 square meters and is equipped with 5 treatment rooms and 300 beds, utilizing the IBA Proteus PLUS proton therapy system [1]. - Over 70% of cancer patients require radiotherapy, which traditionally damages surrounding healthy tissues; proton therapy minimizes this damage through its unique "Bragg Peak" effect [1][2]. Group 2: Clinical Trials and Patient Experience - The Shenzhen Proton Therapy Center has begun recruiting for clinical trials, with the first patient, referred to as Zhang, reporting minimal side effects from the treatment [2]. - The center aims to address the issue of local patients needing to travel for advanced cancer treatment, filling a significant gap in Shenzhen's healthcare offerings [2]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - The launch of the center is expected to enhance the overall treatment capabilities of Shenzhen hospitals and promote integrated development between medical institutions in Beijing and Shenzhen [3]. - The center is positioned to provide international-level precision radiotherapy services, potentially extending its influence to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Southeast Asia, reinforcing Shenzhen's status as a key cancer treatment hub in southern China [3].

Core Viewpoint - Proton therapy has shown significant effectiveness in treating head and neck tumors, providing hope for patients who have faced challenges with traditional treatments [1][3][4] Group 1: Patient Success Stories - A patient named Sun experienced a near-complete disappearance of her nasal rhabdomyosarcoma after undergoing 30 sessions of proton therapy, alleviating her symptoms significantly [1] - Another patient, Mr. Chen, benefited from proton therapy for recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer, with significant tumor reduction observed after treatment [3] - Ms. Li, suffering from sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma, saw her tumor shrink from 7 cm to 2 cm after proton therapy, with substantial improvement in her quality of life [3] Group 2: Advantages of Proton Therapy - Proton therapy offers precise targeting of tumors, effectively killing cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, leading to lower side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy [4] - The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has recognized proton therapy as a standard treatment method for head and neck cancers [4] Group 3: Institutional Background - Guangzhou Taihe Hospital's proton center is supported by renowned institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center and Mayo Clinic, featuring advanced technology such as the Varian ProBeam proton therapy system [4] - The center has seen a growing number of consultations and treatments, with a peak of over 50 patients treated in a single day, covering various cancer types including nasopharyngeal, esophageal, lung, breast, and pancreatic cancers [4]