Hong Kong Hosts Landmark Conference on Particle Therapy Advancements

The inaugural Asia-Oceania Particle Therapy Co-operative Group (PTCOG-AO) Conference took place in Hong Kong from November 7 to 9, 2025. Hosted by the Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation and HKSH Medical Group, this landmark event attracted nearly 600 participants from 16 countries and regions, marking a significant step forward in the field of proton therapy.

The conference aimed to unite global leaders in proton therapy to enhance precision cancer treatment. It featured a range of presentations from leading researchers, clinical doctors, medical physicists, and radiation therapy professionals. Participants shared groundbreaking research, clinical experiences, and innovative technologies, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange vital for advancing cancer treatment.

Advancing Cancer Care Through Collaboration

Themed “Advancing Particle Therapy with Greater Precision and Image-Guidance,” the conference kicked off at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over the course of three days, attendees participated in scientific symposia and educational lectures, concluding with a visit to the HKSH Proton Therapy Centre, the first facility of its kind in the Greater Bay Area.

The event received strong backing from more than 60 international, regional, and local organizations, including the Hong Kong Tourism Board and InvestHK. This support highlights a broad commitment to enhancing medical technology and improving patient outcomes.

At the opening ceremony on November 8, distinguished speakers included Professor LO Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Dr. Walton LI, CEO of HKSH Medical Group. Professor LO emphasized the conference’s role as an essential platform for sharing scientific knowledge and best practices in particle therapy. He noted the significant impact of proton therapy on oncology treatment and highlighted recent advancements in pediatric cancer care through local access to this technology.

Dr. Walton LI remarked on HKSH’s long-standing commitment to medical innovation, citing the introduction of the first proton therapy system in the Greater Bay Area in 2023 as a major milestone. He expressed optimism that hosting this conference would further solidify HKSH’s role as a leading cancer treatment hub.

Building a Future of Innovative Cancer Treatment

Mr. Wyman LI, Chief Operating Officer of HKSH Medical Group, outlined the organization’s two-decade journey in pioneering proton therapy in Hong Kong. He stressed the importance of blending talent and technology to enhance patient care. The conference served as a platform for continuous learning, aiming to elevate the standard of proton therapy throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

As HKSH embarks on a series of research projects using the world’s first Photon-Counting CT Simulator, Mr. Wyman LI expressed confidence in presenting preliminary findings at the upcoming 2026 Congress of the European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology. This initiative aims to optimize proton therapy’s precision and effectiveness.

Dr. Ben YU, Co-Chair of the Scientific and Education Sub-committee for the conference, emphasized the need for proton therapy to achieve exceptional precision. He noted that leveraging advanced simulation technology would enhance treatment planning and therapeutic outcomes.

Prof. Marco DURANTE, Chairman of the Particle Therapy Co-operative Group, praised the conference for fostering dialogue and collaboration in particle therapy technology between Europe, the United States, and the Asia-Pacific region. He highlighted the conference’s role in establishing a robust network among global experts.

With cancer rates continuing to rise in Asia and Oceania, the PTCOG-AO Conference is seen as a vital forum for exchanging ideas and practices in clinical care, medical physics, and biological research. Dr. Simon TANG, Chairman of the PTCOG-AO 2025 Organising Committee, expressed pride in hosting the event in Hong Kong, noting the record number of participants and submissions.

Currently, there are approximately 50 proton therapy centers in the Asia-Pacific region, while nearly one million cancer patients are eligible for particle therapy. The conference aimed to build momentum for expertise exchange, knowledge transfer, and partnerships to advance proton therapy.

The PTCOG-AO 2025 Conference provided an engaging program of educational sessions, keynote lectures, and expert panel discussions covering a wide array of cancers, including head and neck, breast, gastrointestinal, and pediatric tumors. The success of this landmark conference further cements HKSH’s leadership in proton therapy and its commitment to improving cancer treatment standards for patients in Hong Kong and beyond.

About HKSH Medical Group: Established in September 2017, HKSH Medical Group focuses on promoting public health and advanced medicine through coordinated clinical services, medical education, and research. Its members include leading institutions dedicated to providing high-quality patient care.

About Asia-Oceania Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group: Founded in 2019, PTCOG-AO aims to enhance the utilization of particle therapy across the Asia-Oceania region, fostering collaboration and establishing common standards to ensure high-quality treatment for patients.