Unveiling Proton Therapy: CMUH Innovates Healthcare and Expands to Malaysia, Driving New Southbound Medical Exchanges and Promoting Successful Experiences

Proton therapy is an advanced particle radiation treatment for cancer. The Proton Therapy Center at China Medical University Hospital (CMUH), which began operations this year, is the first institution in central Taiwan to offer proton radiation therapy. The center has already treated several patients with positive outcomes. Notably, two patients with rectal cancer showed significant tumor shrinkage and are now proceeding with further treatments, including surgery. CMUH, as part of its New Southbound Policy initiative, is promoting the results and experiences of proton therapy in Malaysia, where it has sparked significant attention and lively discussions.

Third Year of the New Southbound Policy: CMUH Hosts Smart Health Transformation Forum in Malaysia

This is the third year CMUH has executed the Ministry of Health and Welfare's (MOHW) "New Southbound Medical Cooperation and Industry Development Plan." Led by Dr. Chih-Kun Huang, Superintendent of the Body Science & Metabolic Disorders International Medical Center at CMUH, a six-member team specializing in proton radiation, metabolic surgery, and reconstructive surgery traveled to Kuala Lumpur on the 17th. They hosted the “2024 Smart Health Transformation Forum – Proton Therapy & Metabolic Surgery & Plastic Surgery” in collaboration with International Medical University (IMU) of Malaysia, with which CMUH had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The forum facilitated in-depth exchanges on advanced technologies and achievements, including proton therapy, with Malaysia’s academic and medical communities. Ms. Ling-Ying Wu, Principal Assistant Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, praised CMUH’s dedication to deepening partnerships with MOU institutions and recognized the hospital's significant efforts in fostering Taiwan-Malaysia medical exchanges. MOHW, therefore, entrusted CMUH with this critical task and promised continued support to move forward together.

Promoting Cutting-Edge Medical Innovations to Malaysia through New Southbound Exchanges

On the 17th, CMUH partnered with Malaysia’s IMU to co-host the “2024 Smart Health Transformation Forum – Proton Therapy & Metabolic Surgery & Plastic Surgery” in Kuala Lumpur. Participants included prominent medical figures: Ms. Ling-Ying Wu (3rd from the right), Dr. Chih-Kun Huang (5th from the right), Dr. Jian-Jr Lee, Vice Superintendent of the CMU Central Taiwan Healthcare System and Director of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgery Surgery, CMUH (2nd from the right), Dr. Chun-Ru Chien, Director of the Division of Particle Therapy, CMUH (6th from the right), Dr. Shyun-Jing Wee, Attending Physician of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgery Surgery, CMUH (1st from the right), CEO Aichi Chou, Executive Director of the International Medical Center, CMUH (7th from the right), and Professor Wong Shew Fung, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at IMU (4th from the right).

Taiwan’s Latest Proton Therapy Center: Minimizing Damage to Healthy Tissue, Shrinking Rectal Cancer Tumors without Major Side Effects

The Proton Therapy Center at CMUH is the newest of Taiwan’s four centers, equipped with 360-degree precise positioning and integrated with surgery, immunotherapy, cellular therapy, and one-stop international medical services to provide high-quality treatments. Dr. Chun-Ru Chien, Director of the Division of Particle Therapy at CMUH, noted that mid-stage rectal cancer often requires preoperative pelvic radiation therapy to shrink the tumor for subsequent surgery. However, pelvic radiation can lead to mild but common digestive and urinary side effects. Proton therapy, by contrast, is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of these side effects. Unlike photon radiation therapy, proton therapy minimizes unnecessary radiation to surrounding healthy tissue, thus reducing side effects. It is suitable for treating tumors throughout the body, especially those located in sensitive areas or near vital organs, such as brain tumors, head and neck cancers, breast cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, and recurrent tumors. It also holds promise for pediatric cancer patients, where it can reduce long-term complications, offering hope to more patients in need.

Robotic Minimally Invasive Surgery for Obesity: Precision Medicine Delivers Personalized Treatment Plans

At the forum, Dr. Chih-Kun Huang, an expert in bariatric and metabolic surgery, shared the latest advancements and treatment philosophies. He emphasized that, in Malaysia, with the rising obesity rate, traditional treatments like lifestyle changes and medications are limited, creating an urgent need for innovative solutions. Recent advances in pharmacotherapy have introduced new anti-obesity drugs targeting appetite and energy balance. Additionally, bariatric surgery has seen the introduction of robotic minimally invasive surgery, and new insights into hormonal regulation of the gastrointestinal system have emerged. Precision medicine, including genetic and microbiome research, is also offering personalized treatment plans.

Stem Cells and Exosome Tissue Regeneration: A Breakthrough in Wound Healing Surpassing Traditional Methods

Dr. Jian-Jr Lee, Vice Superintendent of CMUH’s Fengyuan Branch and expert in plastic and reconstructive surgery, discussed the use of stem cells and exosomes in wound treatment. Stem cells possess the ability to differentiate into various cell types, making them crucial for tissue repair and regeneration. In wound healing, stem cells can transform into skin cells, blood vessels, and other essential components, accelerating recovery, reducing scarring, and improving outcomes for patients with chronic or complex wounds. Exosomes derived from stem cells stimulate cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune modulation, making exosome therapy a powerful tool in enhancing the body's natural healing mechanisms. CMUH fully leverages the regenerative potential of stem cells and the signaling properties of exosomes, achieving wound healing results that surpass traditional treatments.

Combining Super Microsurgery with 3D Printing: Precision Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer, Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics

Dr. Shyun-Jing Wee, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at CMUH, explained that CMUH’s reconstructive team has integrated super microsurgery with CAD/CAM and 3D printing technologies for head and neck cancer surgeries. These advancements allow for more precise tumor localization and treatment, offering personalized surgical options that optimize both functional and aesthetic outcomes, improving patients' quality of life.

Deepening Cooperation with New Southbound MOU Institutions: Expanding Successful Experiences and Enhancing Taiwan's Medical Brand Reputation

CEO Aichi Chou, Executive Director of CMUH’s International Medical Center, stated that after signing an MOU with IMU in May, the hospital participated in the “2024 Next Generation of Care Conference” hosted by IMU, showcasing CMUH’s smart hospital technology in partnership with Wiicare and Wearable Wisdom (Keeogo). Datuk Dr. Muhammad Radzi bin Abu Hassan, Director-General of the Malaysian Ministry of Health, was highly impressed by the exhibition. This is the second collaboration between the two parties, focusing on CMUH’s cutting-edge medical innovations, including proton therapy, metabolic surgery, stem cells, exosomes, and super microsurgery. Through ongoing partnerships with MOU institutions, CMUH aims to build a foundation of trust and friendship, replicating its successful model across East Malaysia’s medical institutions and boosting the global reputation and favorability of Taiwan's medical brand.