HKSH Puts Hong Kong on the Proton Therapy Map with First PTCOG-AO Conference

Hong Kong marked a major milestone in oncology advancement as the city hosted its first Asia-Oceania Particle Therapy Co-operative Group Conference (PTCOG-AO) from November 7 to 9.

Organised by the Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation, HKSH Medical Group (HKSH) and PTCOG-AO, the event gathered nearly 600 experts from 16 countries and regions, creating an unprecedented platform for particle therapy research and clinical exchange.

This year’s theme, “Advancing Particle Therapy with Greater Precision and Image-Guidance,” shaped a three-day programme of scientific symposia, keynote lectures and panel discussions at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, concluding with a technical visit to the HKSH Proton Therapy Centre—the first of its kind in the Greater Bay Area.

At the opening ceremony, Professor Lo Chung-mau, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Health, highlighted the conference’s importance to the region, noting that it offers “an indispensable platform for participants to share the latest evidence-based scientific knowledge, best practices and industry technological features of particle therapy.” He added that public–private collaboration has already enabled paediatric patients at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital to receive proton therapy locally, which has “transformed the care pathway for children with newly diagnosed cancers.”

HKSH leadership emphasised the Group’s long-term commitment to pioneering cancer treatment. Dr. Walton Li, Chairman of the Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation and CEO of HKSH Medical Group, remarked, “For over a century, HKSH has stood at the forefront of medical innovation… Hosting this major regional conference is a big leap forward, further solidifying our commitment to maximising the possibilities and efficacy of proton therapy through education, research, and collaboration with top institutions worldwide.”

Reflecting on HKSH’s two-decade journey in developing proton therapy, Mr. Wyman Li, COO of HKSH Medical Group, said, “HKSH firmly believes that talent and technology are equally important… Our aim is to establish a premier platform for continuous learning and advancement in the Asia-Pacific region, elevating the overall standard of proton therapy to benefit more patients.”

The conference was highly successful. Prof. Marco Durante, Chairman of PTCOG, noting that it strengthened international collaboration and “jointly drove innovative breakthroughs in radiotherapy and cancer treatment.” Meanwhile, Prof. Tatsuya Ohno stressed the urgent need for cooperation, noting that more than half of the world’s cancer patients live in Asia and Oceania.

Closing the event, Dr. Simon Tang, Organising Committee Chairman, spotlighted the region’s unmet needs, “There are only about 50 proton therapy centres but nearly one million cancer patients who would be eligible for particle therapy.” He expressed hope that the conference will accelerate knowledge transfer, training and partnerships across the region.

The conference marked a pivotal step in advancing proton therapy, reinforcing Hong Kong’s commitment to elevating cancer treatment standards and expanding possibilities for patients.