Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center proton therapy milestone and international cancer care
Proton Therapy Milestone

Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center Surpasses 1,000 Proton Therapy Patients in 19 Months, Demonstrating Rapid Growth in Precision Cancer Care

Published on: Source: Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center

Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center has reached an important milestone in its proton therapy program, having treated more than 1,000 proton therapy patients within 19 months using the ProBeam® Proton Therapy System, demonstrating rapid growth in precision cancer care in China.


Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center has reached an important milestone in its proton therapy program, having treated more than 1,000 patients within just 19 months since the clinical launch of its ProBeam® Proton Therapy System.

Today, more than 100 patients receive proton therapy at the center every day, reflecting the growing demand for precision radiation therapy among both domestic and international patients seeking advanced cancer treatment in China.

Reaching the 1,000-patient milestone within 19 months demonstrates the rapid development of the hospital's proton therapy program. Compared with several internationally recognized proton therapy centers, Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center achieved this milestone within a remarkably short period.

The following table summarizes the time required by major international proton therapy centers to reach their first 1,000 patients. Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center's 19-month timeline reflects one of the fastest growth trajectories in modern proton therapy.

Proton Therapy Center Clinical Launch Clinical Milestone
Emory Proton Therapy Center (USA) December 2018 Reached 1,000 patients in approximately 2 years
MIBS Proton Therapy Center (Russia) September 2017 (Clinical operation began) Reached 1,000 patients in approximately 2 years
University College London Hospitals (UK) December 2021 Reached 1,000 patients in nearly 4 years
Tata Memorial Center (India) 2023 Reached 1,000 patients in nearly 3 years
National Cancer Center Singapore June 2023 Reached 500 patients in approximately 26 months
Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center (China) December 2024 Treated more than 1,000 patients within just 19 months

This milestone reflects not only rapid program development but also the hospital's commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical quality, multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered care.

1

Precision Built on Experience

Patient receiving proton therapy in the treatment room at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, with a radiation oncology specialist operating the ProBeam system
Surpassed 1,000 cases with consistent milestones — Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center marks 19 months in clinical operation with more than 100 daily proton therapy treatments. (Data as of July 2026)

From its very first patient to its 1,000th, every treatment has represented the hospital's commitment to precision, safety, and patient-centered care. Since launching clinical services, Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center has continued expanding its clinical capacity while maintaining rigorous quality assurance standards.

Clinical Milestones
1,000+ Proton therapy patients treated since clinical launch
100+ Patients receiving proton therapy every day
19 months Clinical operations reaching the 1,000-patient milestone

These achievements reflect not only operational efficiency but also the growing confidence of patients and physicians in proton therapy as a precision radiation therapy for cancer treatment.

2

Caring for Patients Across Ages and Countries

Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center building with a world map highlighting the global reach of proton therapy patients from China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America
Across ages and countries, Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center cares for every journey — patients aged from 13 months to 91 years, from 32 provincial-level regions of China and more than 20 countries worldwide.

The hospital now serves patients ranging from 13 months to 91 years of age, demonstrating the versatility of proton therapy across pediatric, adult, and elderly populations.

Patients have traveled from all 32 provincial-level regions of China as well as more than 20 countries and regions, including Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. As international awareness of proton therapy continues to grow, Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center has become an increasingly recognized destination for cross-border cancer care.

Global

International cancer care in China: With dedicated one-stop international patient services, the hospital simplifies medical travel for cancer patients seeking advanced radiation therapy abroad.

3

Treating a Wide Range of Cancers with Precision

Distribution of tumor types among proton therapy patients at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, including head and neck, breast, lung, brain, gastrointestinal, pediatric and other cancers
Distribution of tumor types among proton therapy patients — head and neck (26.5%), central nervous system (20.5%), breast (20.4%), lung (12.6%), gastrointestinal (9.6%), urogenital (6.3%), other cancers (3.3%), and eye tumors (0.8%). Pediatric cancers account for approximately 12%.

The center has accumulated extensive clinical experience across a broad spectrum of solid tumors. The most commonly treated cancers include:

Cancer Type Percentage of Treated Cases*
Head and Neck Cancers 26.5%
Central Nervous System Tumors 20.5%
Breast Cancer 20.4%
Lung Cancer 12.6%
Gastrointestinal Cancers 9.6%
Urogenital System Tumors (Prostate, Cervical, etc.) 6.3%
Other Cancers 3.3%
Eye Tumors 0.8%

*Percentages are based on the hospital's clinical case distribution.

Using the Varian ProBeam® Proton Therapy System, clinicians deliver highly conformal treatment plans with image-guided verification and submillimeter precision, helping reduce unnecessary radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. This precision is particularly valuable for tumors located near critical organs, where preserving normal tissue and long-term quality of life is an important treatment objective.

4

Clinical Outcomes That Inspire Confidence

Compassionate nurse supporting an elderly cancer patient, representing the 97.9% disease control rate achieved through proton therapy at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center
Clinical outcomes that inspire confidence — 97.9% disease control rate, 77.7% objective response rate, 97.7% treatment plan completion rate, and only 0.58% treatment non-completion rate (industry lowest). Data as of July 2026.

Clinical performance remains a central focus of the program. Among proton therapy patients who have completed evaluation at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center:

Clinical Outcomes (Evaluated Patients)
97.9% Disease Control Rate (DCR)
77.7% Objective Response Rate (ORR)
97.7% Treatment Completion Rate
0.58% Treatment Non-completion Rate — Among the Lowest Reported in the Industry

Early clinical observations also indicate favorable treatment tolerance, with many patients experiencing fewer acute side effects than those typically associated with conventional radiotherapy while maintaining their quality of life throughout treatment. The exceptionally low treatment non-completion rate reflects strong patient adherence and the comprehensive clinical support provided throughout the treatment journey.

5

Behind Every Treatment Is a Multidisciplinary Team

Every proton therapy patient is supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team consisting of:

Radiation OncologistsLead treatment planning and clinical decision-making
Medical PhysicistsEnsure dosimetric accuracy and quality assurance
Radiation TherapistsDeliver daily image-guided proton therapy treatments
Oncology NursesProvide continuous supportive care and patient education
Case ManagersCoordinate appointments, follow-up, and international patient logistics
From initial consultation and imaging to treatment planning, daily image-guided treatment, and follow-up care, every stage follows a carefully coordinated workflow designed to ensure accuracy, safety, and personalized treatment. Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, Proton Therapy Clinical Team
6

Patient Trust Beyond Clinical Results

Patient thank-you letters, banners, and clinical team photos representing Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center's rank among China's top 3 proton and heavy ion therapy centers
Ranked among China's Top 3 proton and heavy ion therapy centers by clinical service volume — patient voices are the proof of compassionate care.

For Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, success is measured not only by clinical outcomes but also by patient experience. Today, the hospital has developed into one of China's Top 3 proton and heavy ion cancer centers by clinical service volume, earning the trust of patients from across China and around the world.

Many patients and families have shared stories of compassionate care, professional communication, and confidence throughout their treatment journey. Their trust continues to be one of the hospital's strongest endorsements.

"Here at Concord, the few seconds of sleep have greatly relieved our family's stress. The doctors and nurses are so loving and patient. Every treatment session went very smoothly." — Family of a pediatric proton therapy patient
7

Making Proton Therapy More Accessible

Logos of nearly 30 insurance companies and TPA partners including AIA, Allianz Partners, MSH China, CPIC, International SOS, and Pacific Prime that Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center partners with for direct billing
Direct billing with insurance — Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center partners with nearly 30 insurance companies and TPA providers, including AIA, Allianz Partners, MSH China, CPIC, and International SOS.

To improve access for both domestic and international patients, Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center continues expanding its medical payment network. The hospital now partners with nearly 30 insurance companies and third-party administrators (TPAs), offering direct billing services with organizations including:

AIALeading pan-Asian insurance group offering direct billing
Allianz PartnersGlobal assistance and international health insurance
International SOSWorldwide medical assistance and travel risk services
Pacific PrimeInternational health insurance brokerage
Insurance

Simplified medical travel in China: These partnerships help simplify the international patient treatment process by reducing upfront payments and improving financial convenience for eligible patients seeking second opinion and advanced cancer treatment abroad.

8

Looking Ahead

Reaching more than 1,000 proton therapy patients represents an important milestone — but it is only the beginning. Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center will continue investing in clinical research, technological innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and international patient services to make precision cancer treatment accessible to more patients around the world.

As the hospital continues to expand its expertise in proton therapy, its mission remains unchanged: delivering safer, more precise, and more compassionate cancer care for every patient.

About

About Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center: Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center is a comprehensive cancer care institution in China specializing in advanced oncology treatment, precision radiotherapy, multidisciplinary cancer management, and innovative healthcare solutions. With expertise in advanced radiation technologies including proton therapy and the Varian ProBeam system, the medical team continues to explore new approaches to improve cancer treatment outcomes and support international cancer care collaboration.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is proton therapy?

A: Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy that precisely targets tumors while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. It is particularly valuable for tumors located near critical organs and for pediatric patients.

Q: How many patients has Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center treated with proton therapy?

A: The center has treated more than 1,000 proton therapy patients within 19 months since the clinical launch of its Varian ProBeam® Proton Therapy System.

Q: Which cancers can be treated with proton therapy?

A: Proton therapy at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center treats head and neck cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, central nervous system tumors, brain tumors, pediatric cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, eye tumors, urogenital tumors, and other solid tumors.

Q: Can international patients receive proton therapy in China?

A: Yes. Patients from more than 20 countries and regions, including Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, have received proton therapy at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center. The hospital offers dedicated one-stop international patient services.

Q: Does the hospital accept international insurance?

A: Yes. The hospital partners with nearly 30 insurance companies and third-party administrators (TPAs), including AIA, Allianz Partners, International SOS, Pacific Prime, MSH China, CPIC, and FESCO, offering direct billing services to reduce upfront payments.

Key Facts

By the Numbers
1,000+Proton therapy patients treated
19 monthsTime to milestone
100+Daily patients treated
20+Countries served
13 months – 91 yearsPatient age range
97.9%Disease control rate (DCR)
77.7%Objective response rate (ORR)
97.7%Treatment completion rate
0.58%Treatment non-completion rate (industry lowest)
~30Insurance & TPA partners