August 19, SZBL, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital and Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center signed a tripartite agreement on co-establishing an innovation center for esophageal cancer research. The three parties will fully utilize their advantages to target highly endemic cancer in Guangdong Province, especially those digestive system cancers. This cooperation also aims to establish large standardized library for clinical tumor samples and database for precision treatment, to promote the transformation of basic medical research and improve national esophageal cancer prevention and treatment at a comprehensive level.

Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission Chief Counselor Luo Lexuan, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital President Chen Yun, SZBL Director and Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center Director Zhan Qimin, and SZBL Party Chief Hu Xiaojun delivered remarks at the signing session.

Esophageal squamous cancer is one of the highly risky endemics in China. In the country’s strategic plan for treating major chronic disease, esophageal cancer is listed as an important research target which demands national efforts to tackle. The establishment of the joint innovation center builds a significant step forward for Shenzhen to develop this national mission and promote the prevention and control of the cancer on a regional basis. The signing of cooperation has attracted attention from multiple parties who expressed expectation for the innovation center to support more accessible prevention and management strategies and offer avenues for improved capabilities in esophageal cancer treatment.

After the signing event, the newly launched innovation center held its first seminar on gastrointestinal cancer research. Topics on immune mechanisms, early detection, diagnosis and treatment were shared and discussed. SZBL scientists including Zhang Lei, Sun Kun, Yin Chengqian and Li Lei were invited to give seminar talks.