Zhejiang Cancer Hospital (ZJCH) and the National Cancer Center Korea (NCCK) have solidified a five-year strategic partnership to advance cancer research, prevention, and treatment through cross-border collaboration. The agreement, signed on April 3 during a high-level delegation visit led by ZJCH’s president Prof. Cheng Xiangdong, aims to drive innovation in cancer diagnostics, particle therapy, talent development, and hospital management while enhancing cancer control systems in both countries.
During the signing ceremony, Prof. Cheng highlighted ZJCH’s breakthroughs in early-stage gastric cancer diagnostics, stating, “Cancer knows no borders—this alliance bridges China and South Korea’s brightest minds to deliver solutions that transcend geography.” NCCK President Han-Kwang Yang echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the synergy between ZJCH’s population health insights and NCCK’s proton therapy leadership. “Together, we’re positioned to set new benchmarks in precision oncology,” he added.
The ZJCH delegation toured NCCK’s flagship facilities including Asia’s first proton therapy center, operational since 2007, and the National Cancer Big Data Hub, which processes real-time data from 15 disease-specific specialty clinics. A joint symposium further deepened ties, with ZJCH showcasing its data-driven strategies that reduced Zhejiang Province’s late-stage cancer diagnoses by 22% since 2020—a model now under discussion for adaptation in South Korea.
Strategically, the partnership addresses both nations’ urgent public health goals. By merging China’s AI-driven scalability with South Korea’s technological precision, the partnership aims to fast-track innovations from lab to clinic.
About the Institution
The National Cancer Center Korea (NCCK), established in 2000 with funding from the South Korean government, serves as the nation's comprehensive hub for cancer diagnosis and treatment, research, prevention and control, and public education. In 2007, it became a regional pioneer by establishing South Korea's first proton therapy center.
Guided by its vision of becoming "The World's Best Cancer Center," the NCCK has developed an integrated four-in-one national framework structured around four key components: the Cancer Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital, National Cancer Control Center, and Cancer Science and Policy Institute. Its Affiliated Hospital exemplifies specialized care through 15 organ-specific clinical centers, including dedicated units for gastric cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, and other major malignancies.