In the deep winter, when snow blankets the vast sky, BIOTECH PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD hosted the "Journey of New Beginnings" Summit on Targeted Therapy for Malignant Tumors on November 29, 2020, in Chifeng—a region affectionately known as Beijing’s “Back Garden.” Centered around the clinical application of nimotuzumab, the forum brought together experts to discuss the latest research advancements and integrated treatment strategies for cancers such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, head and neck tumors, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and cervical cancer. Participants also shared valuable clinical experience with the drug, aiming to deliver optimal treatment options and enhanced therapeutic outcomes to more patients.

This forum was chaired by Professor Sun Ruiling from the Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng College as the Executive Chair, Professor Wang Junjie from Peking University Third Hospital serving as the Honorary Chair, and Professor Yu Zhilong from the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University as the General Chair. Young scholars from departments of internal medicine, surgery, and radiation oncology—representing institutions in Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, and Jilin—participated in this prestigious summit. 。

Conference venue

The conference opened with welcoming remarks delivered by Executive Chair Professor Sun Ruiling, Honorary Chairs Professor Wang Junjie and Professor Yu Zhilong, as well as Mr. Bai Xianhong, Chairman of BIOTECH PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.

                                   Keynote Address by Executive Chairperson: Professor Sun Ruiling                                                                  Conference Chair: Professor Yu Zhilong

                                                                                        Honorary Chairman of the Conference: Professor Wang Junjie Chairman of Baitai: Bai Xianhong

Professor Wu Yun from the Baotou Central Hospital in Inner Mongolia chaired the second segment—expert lecture session. Professor Lin Yu from the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University delivered a live presentation titled "Clinical Advances in Targeted Therapy for Head and Neck Tumors," providing a comprehensive review of current primary treatment approaches for these cancers. The professor particularly highlighted the remarkable clinical efficacy and excellent safety profile of nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, when used in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Notably, the BEST study demonstrated that, compared to standard radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy alone, the addition of nimotuzumab significantly improved overall survival—from 16.36 months to 49.38 months—in patients with advanced, unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. This breakthrough was met with unanimous approval and high praise from the attending experts, who expressed eager anticipation for further confirmation through upcoming Phase III clinical trials. Meanwhile, Professor Han Hongmei from Tongliao Tumor Hospital shared her insights in a report titled "New Advances in Esophageal Cancer Treatment," covering the epidemiological landscape of esophageal cancer, key clinical therapies, and the latest advancements in targeted treatments like nimotuzumab, as well as ongoing clinical research in this field.

Under the guidance of Professor Zhang Minghui from Chifeng City Hospital, Professor Sun Xiaoge from the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University delivered a presentation titled "Recent Advances in Targeted Therapy for Cervical Cancer." She highlighted advancements in recent years regarding inhibitors targeting VEGFR and its related receptors, PARP, mTOR kinase, and COX-2, particularly in the treatment of cervical cancer. While bevacizumab has demonstrated long-term survival benefits in treating persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer, other targeted therapies have yet to show significantly superior efficacy. Moreover, several clinical studies have shown that nimotuzumab combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy yields promising results and is well-tolerated in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, positioning it as a potentially critical treatment option for this patient population. Notably, a Phase III clinical trial led by Professor Wang Junjie from the First Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology has already begun investigating nimotuzumab specifically for locally advanced cervical cancer. Researchers are eagerly anticipating the completion of patient enrollment and look forward to obtaining valuable study outcomes that could benefit countless cervical cancer patients. Meanwhile, Professor Zhang Xiufang from Tongliao Tumor Hospital shared insights on "Targeted Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer and the Clinical Application of Tai Xin Sheng," shedding light on the current challenges faced in pancreatic cancer treatment, which underscore the urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches. She also delved into an in-depth discussion about whether Tai Xin Sheng, as an EGFR inhibitor, could emerge as the optimal treatment choice for pancreatic cancer patients.

A Highlight Reel of the Meeting (1) A Highlight Reel of the Meeting (2)

The third part of the meeting was the case discussion session, chaired by Professor Fang Fang from Chifeng Tumor Hospital. Dr. Songyan Gao from the Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng College and Dr. Yibo Zhong from Chifeng Tumor Hospital each presented cases of cervical cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, respectively. Experts including Professors Junjie Wang, Zhilong Yu, Yun Wu, and Ruiling Sun provided insightful commentary and engaged in an in-depth discussion on related academic issues.

Group photo for a memorable souvenir after the meeting

Finally, Professor Sun Ruiling summarized the summit forum and delivered high praise for it.

This conference not only brought together a stellar lineup of experts but also featured a rich and diverse program, effectively fostering academic exchange and interaction among scholars from northern regions such as Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, and Jilin. Meanwhile, the attending experts gained a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Biotech Pharma’s flagship product, "Nimotuzumab," particularly in treating nasopharyngeal carcinoma, head and neck tumors, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and cervical cancer. Latest Research Advances and Comprehensive Treatment Its potential suggests that nivolumab is expected to benefit more cancer patients in the future, bringing new hope to tens of thousands of families.