| Introduction
Pushing the Boundaries of Minimally Invasive Oncology: Bridging Hope in Advanced Cancer Treatment
—— An Interview with Professor He Jianyu, International Expert in Minimally Invasive Oncology
With over four decades of dedication to oncology and thousands of surgeries under the surgical lights, Professor He Jianyu embodies clinical precision and composure. His medical philosophy bears the distinctive imprints of both Eastern and Western elite medical systems. Holding a Ph.D. in Surgery from Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University and having served as a postdoctoral researcher at Imperial College London, Professor He Jianyu brings 40+ years of frontline clinical and research experience to his role as Director of the Minimally Invasive Treatment Center at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou. He pioneers solutions for complex, late-stage cancer patients facing "inoperable" dilemmas. More than a trailblazer in minimally invasive surgery, he exemplifies the integration of academic rigor, medical ethics, and cutting-edge precision technology.
"Minimally invasive therapy isn’t simplified treatment—it’s a medical revolution addressing the blind spots of conventional approaches."
— Prof. He Jianyu
"My research experience in London taught me two invaluable lessons: systematic theoretical guidance and standardized practice," Professor He Jianyu reflects candidly. When he first arrived in the UK in the early 2000s, China's standardization of cancer chemotherapy protocols was still in its infancy, while Western countries had already established mature clinical guideline systems for years. Upon returning to China, he skillfully integrated Western standardized treatment concepts with Chinese clinical practice, dedicating himself to conquering the "therapeutic was" of advanced metastatic tumors.
(Professor He Jianyu)
Pioneering Minimally Invasive Breakthroughs: Overcoming the "No Indications for Surgery" Dilemma
Minimally invasive surgery is not about simplifying treatment, but the ultimate test of precision. Every operation needs to balance tumor inactivation and functional protection, which requires the surgeon to understand both the anatomical "map" and the energy "boundary". Professor He Jianyu often faces two types of patients: one is the weak and drug-resistant patients after multiple lines of treatment, and the other is patients in the "surgical restricted area" where the tumor invades key organs. He often said: "What we have to solve is the problem of the survival of patients after the traditional treatment of 'running out of medicine and running out of knives'." Professor He Jianyu has long focused on the treatment gaps for advanced tumors, and is particularly good at using high-precision minimally invasive technologies such as 125 iodine particle implantation, cryoablation, microwave ablation, and radiofrequency ablation to accurately locate and locally inactivate tumors, and try to preserve organ function and quality of life.
Clinical Cases：
Ms. Zhang from Malaysia (liver metastasis after sigmoid colon cancer surgery) underwent resection in July 2024. However, her condition progressed rapidly in the short term after the operation, with diffuse liver metastasis and the largest tumor of about 46x41mm. As the tumor involved important vascular areas, local control was difficult and conventional treatment faced limitations. In September 2024, she came to Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou for cryoablation + interventional treatment. After a follow-up examination three months later, the tumor at the treatment site was significantly reduced and the patient's mental state improved significantly. Another follow-up examination in February 2025 showed that the swelling had basically subsided, her physical fitness had recovered well, and she could eat and do daily activities independently.
(Comparison of CT scans of Ms. Zhang before and after treatment)
Mr. Zhang Ziwei (Malaysia): Diagnosed with Stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma with cervical lymph node metastasis (largest lesion: 7.5 cm) in October 2023. Multiple rounds of chemoradiotherapy locally led to severe weight loss 30 kg with poor response. At Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou (April 2024), he received combined Interventional therapy + targeted therapy + seed implantation. Tumors shrunk by two-thirds, with marked physical and mental recovery, including steady weight gain.
(Comparison of CT scans of Zhang Ziwei before and after treatment)
Revering Boundaries: Dual Commitment to Rational Innovation and Humanistic Care
In Professor He Jianyu's clinic, the pursuit of technological breakthroughs remains firmly grounded in medical ethics and profound respect for patient dignity. When treating Southeast Asian patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, he recognizes that true healing extends beyond tumor reduction to honoring life choices and individual autonomy.
"Respect initiates communication and defines the absolute limits of treatment," Professor He states unequivocally. "When religious convictions lead a patient to decline implantable devices, respect must supersede persuasion." He rigorously upholds the non-negotiable principle of "legally compliant practice + informed consent":"Patient autonomy is inviolable. No further justification is required. Without consent, no intervention proceeds." This deep reverence for personal choices and cultural differences forges enduring cross-border trust.
Collaboration is the gathering of wisdom and the sharing of responsibilities. "Treatment is not a one-man battle." Professor He Jianyu knows this well. He actively promotes the MDT model, and unites the professional forces of oncology, interventional medicine, imaging, and traditional Chinese medicine. The value of MDT lies not only in formulating the best plan for difficult patients, but also in adding multiple "insurances" to treatment decisions through multidisciplinary cross-examination to ensure that every step is on a safe, standardized, and effective track. Accurate diagnosis and treatment begins with accurate evaluation. The "eyes" of multiple disciplines can see more clearly, think more comprehensively, and hold more firmly. This kind of team wisdom is the solid backing for dealing with complex late-stage cases and balancing efficacy and risks. Professor He Jianyu believes that the goal of treating tumors is not to defeat death, but to make life more quality and dignified within a limited time. Doctors must not only dare to explore "whether it can be done", but also always be aware of "whether it should be done".
(Professor He and other experts conduct multidisciplinary consultation)
Rational Light, Global Reach: Charting New Paths in Minimally Invasive Oncology
From Imperial College London's laboratories to the bedsides of Southeast Asian patients, Professor He Jianyu's 40-year medical journey consistently embodies the philosophy of "rational exploration, standardized practice." Eschewing grand pronouncements, his breakthroughs emerge through millimeter increments of particle implantation needles and precise temperature curves in cryoprobe monitoring. For countless patients deemed to have "no options left," he pioneers pathways of life where hope once seemed extinguished.
(Real-time image monitoring and guidance during surgery by Professor He Jianyu)
Looking back on the development of minimally invasive tumor technology in China, Professor He Jianyu has a lot of feelings. "Our international influence is steadily increasing," he commented objectively. He clearly remembers the presence of his mentor, Academician Tang Zhaoyou, at the 1979 International Cancer Conference, which was a precious mark of the early participation of the Chinese oncology community in international exchanges. Today, with the return of a large number of overseas students and the deepening of local research after the reform and opening up, China has already had its own characteristics in the scale of clinical application and practical experience of minimally invasive technology, especially in solving complex and advanced cases. It has accumulated unique "Chinese experience". He especially mentioned the Southeast Asian patients he received. When they came with complex cases that were judged to be "unsolvable" locally, and finally gained life through our minimally invasive comprehensive program and returned home, this was the truest manifestation of the influence of technology. It is not only the output of the program, but also the transmission of hope and trust.
(Professor He attended the 2024 Chinese Congress on Integrative Oncology)
Professor He Jianyu understands deeply that medical progress lies not in creating myths, but in turning "impossible" into "possible"—allowing a glimmer of hope to pierce despair. He maintains the clarity of a frontline physician: every technological breakthrough must be anchored stricter standards, deeper compassion, and greater reverence for ethical boundaries. On the demanding frontier of minimally invasive oncology, he continues bridging "forbidden zones" and hope through expertise and humanity.
| Expert papers：
Effect of Erufosine on Proliferation Inhibition in Gastric Cancer Cells and Bone Marrow Cells
Authors: He Jianyu, Zhang Lineng
Source: China Oncology • Core Journal (PKU/CA/CSCD) • 2011(09):675-680 (6 pages)
【Abstract】Objective: The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway critically regulates tumor transformation, progression, and resistance to chemoradiotherapy, making it a promising therapeutic target. Erufosine—a small-molecule Akt inhibitor—suppresses growth in multiple cancer cell types. This study examines Erufosine’s effects on proliferation in gastric cancer cells and normal bone marrow cells, its impact on Akt expression, and elucidates its anticancer mechanisms.
Low-Dose Cisplatin-Induced Apoptosis in Gastric Cancer AGS Cells and Its Effect on Survivin Expression
Authors: He Jianyu, Zhang Lineng
Source: Shandong Medical Journal • CA-indexed • 2012(24):44-47 (4 pages)
【Abstract】Objective: To investigate low-dose cisplatin (DDP)-induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cell line AGS (ATCC CRL-1739) and its effect on the expression of apoptosis-inhibiting protein Survivin, establishing a theoretical framework for DDP chemotherapy strategies in advanced gastric cancer.
Clinical Study of Docetaxel Combined with Oxaliplatin vs. Cisplatin for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: He Jianyu, Li Shiying, Xu Weiming, He Zhonghui, Gu Yanhui, Zhu Ying
Source: Journal of Tongji University (Medical Science) • 2010(06):83-88 (6 pages)
【Abstract】Objective: To compare the short-term efficacy and toxic side effects of Docetaxel-oxaliplatin regimen and Docetaxel-cisplatin regimen in chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), providing evidence for optimized clinical protocols.
Clinical Observation of DCF Regimen in Treating Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: He Jianyu, Li Shiying, Xu Weiming, Gu Yanhui, He Zhonghui, Gu Chunrong, Jiang Jianlong
Source: Shandong Medical Journal • Core Journal (PKU/CA) • 2009(52):51-53 (3 pages)
【Abstract】Objective: To evaluate the treatment efficacy and toxic side effects of the DCF regimen (docetaxel + cisplatin + 5-fluorouracil) in patients with advanced gastric cancer, providing evidence-based insights for clinical decision-making.
The Quantitative Expressions of Lymphangiogenic Factors and Metastasis in Human Colorectal Cancers
Authors: He Jianyu, Lv Yuanfang
Source: Chinese-German Journal of Clinical Oncology • Volume 10(03)，2011 ，pp.170-173
【Abstract】Objective: The purpose of this paper was to study the expression levels of newly described lymphatic endothelial markers - LYVE-1， Prox-1， podoplanin and 5′-nucleotidase， and their correlation with metastasis of human colorectal cancers.
Correlation Study Between Lymphangiogenic Factors and Colorectal Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Lv Yuanfang, He Jianyu
Source: Chinese Clinical Oncology • CA-indexed • 2009(04):309-313 (5 pages)
【Abstract】Objective: To investigate the correlation between the quantitative expression of lymphangiogenic factors and metastasis in colorectal cancer.
Clinical Analysis of 10 Cases of Primary Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor of Bone
Authors: He Jianyu, Tang Lina, Zhao Hui, Sun Yuanjue, Lin Feng, Yao Yang
Source: Chinese Clinical Oncology • CA-indexed • 2008(05):455-457 (3 pages)
【Abstract】Objective: To conduct a preliminary investigation into the clinical characteristics and treatment principles of primary primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) of bone.
Language
2025-07-12
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