While targeting tumor cells for destruction, treatment may also inadvertently harm the immune system. In cancer therapy, the concept of "destroying the enemy while suffering heavy losses" remains a global challenge.

Nano drug delivery systems, AI-adaptive adjustments, and fiber-optic positioning for brain tumors - this year has witnessed a surge of independently innovative research achievements in China's clinical medical frontlines, offering cancer patients reduced treatment pain, lower toxic side effects, and improved quality of life. This represents the hope and strength of medical innovation.

"Artificial Cell Couriers": Activating the Body's Immune System for Coordinated Combat

Endometrial cancer ranks among the three major gynecological malignancies, with incidence rates showing an upward trend in China in recent years.

How can we precisely target cancer cells while protecting normal tissues, securing more survival opportunities for patients? Recently, the international academic journal "Advanced Materials" published research results from a collaboration between Beijing University People's Hospital's Wang Jianlu team, the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Chemistry's Xiao Haihua team, and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Radiation Medicine's Huang Fan team: nano-disk carriers based on synthetic high-density lipoproteins.

These nano-disk carriers function like specialized "special forces" with diameters of only 10 nanometers, resembling "disks" that stealthily infiltrate tumor tissues. They not only carry chemotherapy "ammunition" for precise cancer cell targeting but also activate the body's immune system for coordinated combat.

Wang Jianlu, Party Secretary of Beijing University People's Hospital and Director of the Institute of Gynecological and Obstetric Diseases, explained that the three teams collaborated to select tetravalent platinum prodrugs capable of inducing DNA damage and activating immunity as core "ammunition." Through biomimetic design, they self-assembled these with phospholipids to create "artificial cell couriers."

This technology addresses the treatment challenges of traditional chemotherapy, achieving high inhibition rates in treating endometrial cancer and other tumors.

"AI Communication Troops": Real-time Radiotherapy Plan Updates

Beyond pharmaceutical breakthroughs in chemotherapy, the integration of radiotherapy with artificial intelligence has sparked new innovations.

Cervical cancer prevention and treatment represents a crucial "mandatory question" for protecting women's health. Addressing the clinical challenge of easily changing target areas in locally advanced cervical cancer radiotherapy, Beijing Union Medical College Hospital pioneered the introduction of an AI online adaptive radiotherapy platform based on iterative cone-beam CT. Through rapid high-definition cone-beam CT imaging combined with AI algorithms for real-time radiotherapy plan updates, online adaptive adjustments take less than 20 minutes.

Experts describe this as deploying "AI communication troops" for radiotherapy plan updates, using their "telescopic vision" and "keen hearing" to establish an extensive "communication neural network."

"This technology enables more precise irradiation of tumor target areas, achieving dynamic individualized adjustments while better protecting normal tissues and organs," said Zhang Fuquan, Director of Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy at Beijing Union Medical College Hospital. Applications of this technology in treating abdominal and pelvic tumors have reduced the incidence of acute gastrointestinal and urinary system reactions.

"Elite Reconnaissance Troops": Non-craniotomy Targeted Brain Tumor Ablation

Recurrent high-grade gliomas grow rapidly and present significant treatment challenges, earning the designation of "cancer king" of the brain.

The neurosurgery team led by Shan Yongzhi at Capital Medical University Xuanwu Hospital recently published research results on domestic laser interstitial thermal therapy for treating recurrent high-grade gliomas. Through robot-assisted precise positioning and placement of guide pins, cannulas, and optical fibers, with MRI confirmation of fiber position and ablation range, precise non-craniotomy glioma ablation and destruction can be achieved through a 3mm small opening.

This effectively establishes "elite reconnaissance troops," enhancing the precision of targeted ablation. Results showed that among 32 patients who completed related treatments and were followed up for one year, average survival time was extended compared to conservative treatment alone.

Laser interstitial thermal therapy technology originated in North America and requires high-end medical equipment. Shan Yongzhi, Chief Physician of Neurosurgery at Xuanwu Hospital, stated that the team is actively exploring methods using conventional MRI for operations to further popularize the technology.

"Snipers": Enhancing Treatment Effectiveness

China's targeted cancer drugs have also achieved frequent successes this year. The team led by Shen Lin at Peking University Cancer Hospital conducted research on China's first innovative antibody-drug conjugate simultaneously targeting EGFR and HER3, with related achievements expected to positively address drug resistance issues in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

In May, China's independently developed antibody-drug conjugate injection Reconti-Trastuzumab received market approval; in June, the domestic targeted drug Almonertinib tablets for treating histiocytic tumors and neurofibromatosis dual indications issued its first prescriptions. These innovative drugs function as "snipers," bringing hope to patients with difficult-to-treat and recurrence-prone cancers.

Data shows that over the past decade, approvals for new anti-tumor drugs in China have increased significantly, with cumulative approvals reaching over 200 varieties.

Chen Zhu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, believes that continued promotion of cancer research initiatives and acceleration of key technological innovations will benefit more patients.

From nano delivery technology to AI-enhanced radiotherapy platforms; from direct fiber-optic ablation to continuously emerging targeted drugs - China's cancer treatment researchers focus on genuine clinical "real problems," tirelessly working and advancing on the journey toward precision medicine.