Minimally invasive treatments will become a new trend in China, replacing many surgeries, especially the treatment of tumors, experts said at the 2015 China Minimally Invasive and Interventional Medicine Conference in Beijing on Nov 14.

Zheng Jiasheng, director with the center of minimal invasive and interventional medicine for cancer in Beijing You'an Hospital, said such treatments have been developing fast in China since the 1990s and the development of technology provides options for treating many tumors. He adds that such low-impact treatment reduces pain and thus benefits patients’ recovery.

He shared his ideas in a speech given at the conference.

Zheng founded the China Strategic Alliance of Technology Innovation for Minimally Invasive Tumor Therapy in November 2010, aiming at promoting the minimally invasive treatment techniques of tumor. The alliance has expanded: by the end of 2014, it had 91 units, including eight universities and research institutes, 25 enterprises and 58 hospitals.

However, he said the lack of professionals and devices in rural areas hindered the application of such treatment. He also noted the lack of treatment and device standards were impeding expansion of the treatment around the country.

"There is a big potential for developing minimally invasive treatment techniques of tumor," he said.

The event, organized by the China Minimally Invasive and Interventional Medicine Association, attracted more than 500 experts from around the country.

Experts spoke on such topics as new technology, the application of current technology and innovation in treatment devices. They also shared their clinical experiences through case studies with other participants.

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