| Introduction
Redefining Integrated Cancer Treatment: China's Pioneering Role in Minimally Invasive Medicine
——A Dialogue with Professor Wenyan Dai, a Leading Figure in Global Minimally Invasive Oncology
As oncology enters a new era of accelerated advancement marked by “precision, minimally - invasiveness, and integration” approaches, Prof. Dai Wenyan, Chief Specialist of the Breast Cancer Department at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, has established herself as a leading authority in minimally invasive cancer therapy. Combining profound clinical expertise with pioneering research vision, she spearheads cutting-edge treatments and drives multidimensional initiatives, including: standardization of clinical protocols; enhanced international medical collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative; refined precision management for complex cancer subtypes. Prof. Dai maintains a fundamental conviction: truly advanced cancer care must transcend technological sophistication by harmonizing scientific excellence with compassionate practice, where evidence-based standards chart the course forward, while medical humanity protects the sanctity of life.
(Prof. Dai Wenyan, Leader of the Breast Cancer Department at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou)
Professional Commitment: From Clinical Mastery to Global Leadership
"Each advancement brings not merely honor, but greater responsibility."
For more than twenty years of pioneering work in oncology, Prof. Dai Wenyan’s distinguished career progression - from clinician to chief physician - reflects a unique synthesis of hands-on experience, technical mastery, and international perspective. Following advanced fellowships at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and National University of Singapore Cancer Institute, she has spearheaded the implementation of patient-centered, comprehensive care models at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou’s Breast Cancer Center. Under her leadership, the team has developed a precision medicine framework anchored in minimally invasive interventions and augmented by integrated therapeutic approaches, consistently achieving clinical breakthroughs for patients with advanced-stage breast cancer.
(The Breast Cancer Department Team at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou )
Honors & Appointments: Distinguished Roles Highlight Academic Leadership
Prof. Dai Wenyan has long been deeply engaged in the fields of minimally - invasive tumor treatment and individualized therapy. She has achieved abundant scientific research accomplishments and enjoys extensive academic influence. She holds prestigious leadership positions across national and international oncology societies, including but not limited to:
✅ Vice Chair, GCOG China County Clinical Research Committee (2024-2027)
✅ Standing Committee Member, Expert Panel on Personalized Treatment, Minimally Invasive Oncology Committee, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association
✅ Executive Member, Particle Therapy Committee, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association
✅ Council Member, Breast Oncology Division, Guangdong Precision Medicine Application Association
(Prof. Dai Wenyan's Appointment Certificates)
These distinguished honors and professional appointments serve not merely as recognition of Prof. Dai’s clinical excellence, but more significantly as testament to her pivotal role in shaping China’s oncology therapeutics narrative.
Academic Leadership: Advancing Chinese Standards onto the World Stage
Prof. Dai recognizes that genuine progress in the field requires transitioning from "technology dissemination" to "establishing standardized protocols."
Currently, she is collaborating with authoritative institutions such as the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and the Chinese PLA General Hospital to develop the Consensus and Guidelines for Breast Cancer Treatment, covering core approaches like ablation techniques, particle implantation, and image-guided precision procedures. This initiative aims to standardize and minimally invasive therapies, transitioning from “empirical medicine" to "standardized medicine”.
(Prof. Dai Wenyan Attending the 2024 Chinese Congress on Holistic Integrative Oncology)
At the 2024 Chinese Congress on Holistic Integrative Oncology, Prof. Dai delivered a keynote presentation on “Frontier Explorations in Immunotherapy Efficacy Evaluation Systems”. Her research highlighted that certain immune-related activity indicators exhibit higher sensitivity in reflecting tumor response to treatment, particularly in assessing therapeutic windows and dynamic efficacy.
This study marked a critical breakthrough in China’s research on immunotherapy evaluation mechanisms and further underscored the country’s scientific prowess and international influence in the combined fields of minimally invasive and immunotherapy.
Minimally Invasive Advancements: Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Care
As the founding director of the Breast Cancer Center at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, Prof. Dai Wenyan has pioneered a dual "standardized + personalized" therapeutic approach since establishing her team in 2016. In 2024, the department underwent a comprehensive upgrade to a one-stop multidisciplinary platform, establishing a fully integrated MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) system that covers surgical, medical, radiation, and nursing oncology. To date, the team has managed over 20,000 breast cancer cases, achieving a consistently high breast-conservation rate of 50–60%, ranking among the top performers in the field.
Prof. Dai’s pioneering triple-therapy protocol—integrating breast-conserving surgery + minimally invasive surgery + breast repair—prioritizes minimally invasive techniques such as cryoablation and radioactive seed implantation. This approach delivers optimal oncological outcomes while maximizing breast tissue preservation. For countless patients burdened by post-mastectomy psychological distress, this holistic model achieves more than physical restoration—it renews self-confidence and feminine identity.
(Prof. Dai is Performing a Combined Knife)
Prof. Dai emphasizes, “Breast conservation transcends the surgical procedure itself—it embodies a triad of technical expertise, philosophical principles, and respect for patient dignity.” Throughout the treatment continuum encompassing preoperative tumor downsizing, intraoperative precision, and postoperative rehabilitation, her team elevates both the diversity of surgical techniques and aesthetic reconstruction standards. This approach addresses varied cultural expectations and cosmetic preferences while ensuring optimal therapeutic safety and aesthetic outcomes. Notably, certain patient populations from Southeast Asia exhibit cultural predispositions or psychological aversion to surgical interventions, rendering even standard breast-conserving procedures unacceptable. To bridge this gap, the team pioneered a non-invasive alternative pathway—employing local ablation therapy as a surgical substitute. This incision-free modality achieves complete tumor eradication with demonstrated clinical efficacy, having gained extensive adoption domestically and internationally. Current evidence suggests its potential to emerge as one of the standard treatment options within the next 5-10 years.
“Minimally invasive approaches represent not merely alternatives but therapeutic advancements.” From Prof. Dai Wenyan’s perspective, cutting-edge techniques such as radioactive seed implantation and cryoablation can achieve precise control of oligometastatic lesions (e.g., bone or lung metastases) while alleviating pain. When integrated with systemic therapy, these modalities further enhance the potential for “no evidence of disease” (NED) status in breast cancer patients.
The studies she led, including Clinical Observation of CT-guided Argon-Helium Cryoablation Combined with 125I Seed Implantation and Chemotherapy for Advanced Lung Cancer and Argon-Helium Cryoablation Combined with Systemic Therapy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer with Skin Ulceration and Hemorrhage, have been incorporated into clinical pathways, providing a Chinese paradigm for standardized minimally invasive breast cancer treatment.
(A Snapshot of Published Papers)
Global Expansion: Extending China’s Clinical Protocols along the Belt and Road
As the Belt and Road Initiative advances, China's oncology services are gaining international prominence. Prof. Dai, a leading practitioner and ambassador of China's minimally invasive oncology technologies, makes multiple annual visits to BRI partner nations including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand to deliver specialized cancer seminars and conduct medical outreach programs. She found that patients in some regions still have misunderstandings about tumors, and many people are afraid of cancer, which leads to frequent cases of delayed treatment or superstition of herbal medicine.
(Prof. Dai’s Oncology Knowledge-Sharing Forum in Southeast Asia)
Clinical case: Ms. Lee (pseudonym), an Indonesian breast cancer patient, was incidentally diagnosed with a mammary tumor during routine physical examination. Initial diagnostic workup revealed advanced disease presenting with concurrent axillary lymph node metastasis, skeletal metastases, and spinal cord compression that placed her at imminent risk of paralysis. After thorough evaluation by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, we developed an individualized therapeutic approach combining spinal decompression surgery with systemic endocrine therapy. Since treatment initiation in August 2024, follow-up assessments demonstrate the patient has achieved partial response (PR) with greater than 50% tumor regression, complete restoration of lower extremity motor function, and marked improvement in quality of life, successfully averting the paralysis crisis.
(Ms. Li’s Pre- and Post-Treatment CT Comparisons)
Case Report: Mr. An (pseudonym), an Indonesian patient with clear cell renal carcinoma, failed to receive timely treatment after initial local diagnosis. By his admission to our hospital in early November 2024, the disease had progressed to metastatic involvement of the brain, lungs, and multiple bony sites, leaving him completely bedridden. Following comprehensive evaluation by our multidisciplinary team (MDT), we initiated a personalized combined regimen of targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Within one month of treatment, Mr. An experienced significant pain relief and gradual recovery of bilateral muscle strength. Current assessments demonstrate effective systemic control of all metastatic lesions, with motor function improvement from grade 1 to grade 5 on the muscle strength scale, ultimately restoring his ability to stand and walk independently.
(Lung Imaging Findings: Initial Presentation vs. Treatment Outcome)
(Comparative Imaging of Bilateral Iliac Bones: Second Hospitalization vs. Post-Therapeutic Status)
Behind these clinical cases lies the demonstrated excellence of China's medical expertise and the compassionate professionalism embodied by Chinese physicians. Prof. Dai, through both her technical mastery and humanitarian approach as a Chinese doctor, has extended these life-saving reversals of prognosis to Belt and Road partner nations, effectively translating “China's clinical protocols” into internationally trusted standards of care.
Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer: Navigating the Delicate Balance Between Maternal Survival and Fetal Well-being
The incidence of pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) shows a steady annual increase corresponding to rising trends of advanced maternal age pregnancies and multifetal gestations. Confronted with the dual psychological burdens and clinical dilemmas of simultaneously pursuing fetal preservation and cancer treatment, many patients face profound therapeutic challenges. Prof. Dai Wenyan’s team has pioneered a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic framework emphasizing stage-specific management protocols, minimally invasive intervention prioritization, and multidimensional consensus-building among specialists.
(Pregnancy Period)
She stressed that individualized treatment plans for pregnancy-associated breast cancer patients must adhere to the core principle of “fetal safety first with mutually beneficial outcomes for both mother and baby”, requiring comprehensive multidimensional considerations based on gestational stage (first, second, or third trimester and lactation period), tumor stage, pathological type, patient preferences, and socioeconomic factors.
Prof. Dai Wenyan categorized pregnancy into first, second, or third trimester and lactation period, proposing a therapeutic strategy of “gestational staging + minimally invasive priority + comprehensive protection throughout”. For early-stage pregnancy with low tumor burden, she recommended watchful waiting to avoid fetal risks from chemotherapy. During mid-to-late pregnancy, carefully selected chemotherapy regimens with established safety profiles or localized surgical interventions may be considered. The lactation period permits more flexible treatment approaches that can follow conventional protocols. For patients declining surgery or chemotherapy, Prof. Dai emphasizes the clinical value of minimally invasive ablation as an alternative approach. Cryoablation techniques such as argon-helium cryosurgery and Combo cryosurgery can precisely target lesions under local anesthesia, significantly reducing systemic impact on both fetus and mother, thereby establishing an ideal pathway for “cancer control without fetal harm” during pregnancy.
She advocated that breast cancer prevention knowledge should extend beyond patients to reach family members, particularly male relatives, fostering collective participation in safeguarding women’s health. "The diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy-associated breast cancer is not only a scientific endeavor but also a collaborative act of love."
The standardized management approach for this clinical pathway has been systematically documented in clinical research and validated across multiple medical practices, embodying Prof. Dai’s patient-centered philosophy of “tailored treatment based on individual needs”. This achievement also demonstrates her exceptional ability to maintain precise equilibrium between medical ethics and therapeutic science.
Medical Humanism: Delivering Patient-Centered Care with Compassion
In Prof. Dai Wenyan's perspective, oncology management transcends mere medical intervention to encompass comprehensive collaboration addressing patients' psychological needs, family dynamics, and social support systems. She advocates initiating holistic care from the moment of diagnosis, emphasizing not only therapeutic protocols but also the psychological transitions through fear, treatment, and recovery phases. Particularly in advanced cancer management, she underscores the integral incorporation of palliative care with humanistic support, employing multimodal approaches including nutritional intervention, traditional Chinese medicine adjuncts, and psychological counseling. This coordinated strategy assists patients in rebuilding both immunological resilience and emotional confidence while minimizing treatment-related adverse effects and optimizing quality of life.
“The first adversary after diagnosis is fear.” Prof. Dai observed that patients and their families often experience profound anxiety and emotional distress, prompting her medical team to prioritize preoperative psychological support and family education. Simultaneously, their treatment planning emphasizes personalized yet standardized protocols designed to alleviate financial burdens while systematically restoring patients' confidence throughout the therapeutic journey.
“We consistently emphasize the 3H care philosophy: Hospital-level treatment, Hotel-like comfort, and Home-style belonging.” She stressed that medical care should never make patients feel “isolated”, but rather provide a secure, comfortable and welcoming environment. Prof. Dai aspired to help patients overcome hospital phobia by transforming their perception of medical facilities into trustworthy sanctuaries for healing. “What we confront are not merely tumors, but individuals deserving complete understanding and dignity.”
(Prof. Dai and Medical Staff Celebrating a Patient’s Birthday)
Under the tripartite care philosophy of “Hospital-Hotel-Home”, Prof. Dai Wenyan has consistently championed the integration of emotional management, nutritional support, and family communication throughout the entire treatment process. She consistently demonstrated her “meticulous yet resolute” medical professionalism through proactive preoperative communication, thorough postoperative ward rounds, and diligent follow-up interventions with patients. By initiating patient birthday celebrations and holiday companionship programs, she bridged the emotional distance between caregivers and recipients, thereby expanding the conventional boundaries of medical practice.
“Epilogue: Safeguarding Lives Through Expertise, Defining Tomorrow Through Mission”
From engaging in medicine industry to achieving academic excellence, from individual patient care to international exchanges, and from the clinical frontline to the pinnacle of the medical field, Prof. Dai Wenyan has always remained true to her original mission of “reverence for life”. She continued to advocate for minimally invasive treatments and the standardization of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, steadfastly advancing the practical path of “precision medicine”.
Under the joint efforts of her and her team, the Breast Cancer Department at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou is illuminating the path of hope for more patients with advanced-stage breast cancer through the power of precision, integration, and compassionate care.
She firmly believed that the fight against cancer is not a solitary journey of the brave, but a shared struggle where doctors and patients march forward together—for it is through companionship that life’s highest peaks become truly worth reaching.
| Expert Papers:
Argon-Helium Cryoablation Combined with Systemic Therapy for Treating Advanced Breast Cancer with Skin Invasion Causing Ulceration and Bleeding
Authors: Dai Wenyan, Qin Yubing, Zhao Yifan
Source: Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy, 2022, Vol. 19(11), pp. 729-731
【Abstract】 Objective: Breast cancer has the highest incidence among female malignancies. After metastasis, the cure rate is low, and treatment should focus on improving symptoms, enhancing quality of life, and prolonging survival. This study reports the efficacy of argon-helium cryoablation combined with systemic therapy in 51 cases with advanced large breast cancer invading the skin and causing ulceration and bleeding.
Comparative Analysis of the Clinical Efficacy of Argon-Helium Cryoablation Combined with Chemotherapy versus Chemotherapy Alone for Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Dai Wenyan, Zhang Weizhong, Chen Chaoyang, Pan Xin
Source: Jilin Medical Journal, 2019, Vol. 40(10), pp. 2228-2231
【Abstract】 Objective: To investigate the efficacy of argon-helium cryoablation combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced (Stage IV) triple-negative breast cancer. Conclusion: Argon-helium cryoablation combined with chemotherapy achieves a synergistic effect ("1+1>2") in treating advanced triple-negative breast cancer. It results in superior progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone, is safe with minimal trauma, does not increase chemotherapy-related adverse reactions, effectively improves patient symptoms and quality of life, and demonstrates significant short-term efficacy. It is a safe and effective combinatorial treatment strategy.
Clinical Observation of Gemcitabine Combined with Cisplatin in the Treatment of Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Dai Wenyan, Zhang Weizhong, Zhou Aijiao
Source: Clinical Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2018, Vol. 10(24), pp. 96-97
【Abstract】 Objective: To explore the clinical observation of gemcitabine combined with cisplatin in treating metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Conclusion: Gemcitabine combined with cisplatin demonstrates favorable efficacy in treating metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. It exhibits potent cytotoxic effects against tumor cells, can prolong survival to some extent, and has manageable toxic side effects, indicating positive clinical significance.
Analysis of 125I Seed Implantation for Treating Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Metastatic Carcinoma
Authors: Dai Wenyan, Zhong Guiqiang, Zhou Aijiao, Wang Junlan, Pan Xin
Source: China Modern Medicine, 2016, Vol. 23(20), pp. 84-86
【Abstract】 Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of 125I seed implantation for treating retroperitoneal lymph node metastatic carcinoma. Conclusion: 125I seed implantation for retroperitoneal lymph node metastatic carcinoma can significantly alleviate pain symptoms and control local tumor progression. It is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment.
Clinical Observation of CT-Guided Argon-Helium Cryoablation, 125I Seed Implantation Combined with Chemotherapy for Treating Mid-Advanced Stage Lung Cancer
Authors: Dai Wenyan, Lai Peisheng, Tang Xiangzhuan
Source: China Modern Doctor, 2013, Vol. 51(25), pp. 66-68, 71
【Abstract】 Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CT-guided argon-helium cryoablation, 125I seed implantation combined with chemotherapy for treating mid-advanced stage lung cancer. Conclusion: CT-guided argon-helium cryoablation, 125I seed implantation combined with chemotherapy is a safe and effective comprehensive treatment approach for mid-advanced stage lung cancer.
Efficacy Observation of Radioactive Seed Implantation for Mid-Advanced Stage Pancreatic Cancer
Author: Dai Wenyan
Source: China Modern Doctor, 2012, Vol. 50(28), pp. 143-144
【Abstract】 Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of radioactive seed implantation on mid-advanced stage pancreatic cancer. Conclusion: Radioactive seed implantation can significantly alleviate pain symptoms, reduce tumor mass, relieve jaundice, and improve the quality of life in patients with mid-advanced stage pancreatic cancer. It represents a valuable novel intervention for this condition.
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2025-07-02
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