Patient Profile
Sergei, 34, a physics professor from Russia – strong, athletic, and “barely ever went to a hospital before.” On May 17, 2026, he traveled abroad for the first time, flying to Hainan – not for vacation, but for a cancer treatment so precise that it felt designed for him.
Diagnosis
In November 2025, a biopsy confirmed Sergei had small cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus – an extremely rare and aggressive tumor that typically affects men aged 40–60, with a notoriously poor prognosis. Within two months, the cancer had spread from his sinus to cervical and supraclavicular lymph nodes.
Challenge
Sergei underwent seven cycles of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The first two rounds worked well – “all the pain symptoms, the tumor on my face, the swelling – they all disappeared.” But then the tumor developed resistance. Treatment failed, and side effects mounted: his vision deteriorated, his teeth began to fall out.
By April 2026, scans showed local recurrence in the left maxillary sinus and metastasis to the right cervical lymph nodes. Conventional therapy had reached its limit – more chemo or radiation would only bring more suffering with little chance of control. Sergei and his family were at a dead end, but they refused to give up.
Lecheng Solution
Sergei learned about Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) through an online cancer support group. BNCT is a cell‑level targeted particle therapy: a boron‑containing drug is injected intravenously and accumulates selectively in tumor cells; then a beam of epithermal neutrons is directed at the lesion. The nuclear reaction releases high‑energy particles that destroy cancer cells from within, sparing surrounding healthy tissue. BNCT is especially effective for head and neck cancers, and often requires only a single session.
However, BNCT facilities are extremely rare. Fortunately, Pengbo (Hainan) Boron Neutron Hospital – located in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone – had just opened. Lecheng is China’s only national‑level “medical special zone,” allowing innovative technologies to be used on a “first‑pilot, first‑use” basis. Pengbo Hospital is currently the only medical institution in mainland China authorized to deliver BNCT clinically.
Sergei receiving treatment.
Sergei contacted the hospital. The team reviewed his case remotely, confirmed his eligibility, and developed an individualized treatment plan led by Dr. Wang Enmin, the hospital director. On May 20, 2026, Sergei received the BNCT procedure – boron infusion, positioning simulation, and neutron irradiation – all completed in just 30 minutes. No incisions, no general anesthesia, no prolonged recovery.
Results
After treatment, Sergei experienced no significant adverse reactions. His energy and mood were good. “Although I still need some time to observe the results, I can already feel that my body is better than before, and my mood is very good,” he said the day after.
Dr. Wang commented: “Small cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus is highly malignant, but it is also sensitive to BNCT. If we follow up with BNCT for the right cervical lymph node recurrence, combined with systemic therapy, we expect the disease will be controllable.”
After successfully receiving treatment, Sergei was wheeled out of the treatment room.
Sergei was discharged two days later. Before returning to Russia, he wanted to walk along the beach in Boao and taste Hainan’s tropical fruits – knowing that he would likely return for further care.
