Tumors, the works of the Proton Center Ieo are underway

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Despite the pandemic, extra Covid innovation in the scientific field does not stop. Especially in the oncology field. The European Institute of Oncology (Ieo) has in fact kicked off the works for the construction of the Ieo Proton Center, the new center for proton therapy, the most technologically advanced form of high precision radiotherapy for cancer patients. The new structure, which will open its doors to the first patients in 2023, is being built in an area of ​​3,200 square meters, adjacent to the Ieo 1 building and in contiguity with the current radiotherapy department.

In the world there are over 90 proton centers, of which 26 in Europe, with a treatment room / number of inhabitants ratio that reaches in some countries, such as neighboring Austria or Switzerland, but also in Denmark and Holland, to one room each. 2-3 million. In Italy this ratio is one room for every 12 million citizens.

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Based on the indications of the Ministry of Health – which has included proton therapy in the essential levels of assistance (Lea), considering it appropriate for 10 types of cancer – it is estimated that in Italy there are 7000 cancer patients who could benefit from the treatment every year. with protons. However, the current capacity of the 3 operational centers (Pavia, Trento and Catania, the latter only for the treatment of ocular melanoma) does not exceed 1000 patients per year, forcing the sick to go abroad in search of hope, or give up treatment. When fully operational, the Ieo Proton Center will be able to treat up to 800 patients per year.

With proton therapy it is possible to more effectively treat tumors which, due to their location or type, are more difficult to cure with other forms of radiotherapy. Thanks to their physical properties, protons can better spare the surrounding healthy tissues and channel a greater dose of energy to the tumor. It therefore represents a new therapeutic possibility for children’s cancers and for many types of adult cancers.

These are tumors located near vital organs or in areas particularly sensitive to side effects, such as those of the brain or spine, or tumors with complex geometry, such as those of the head and neck area, or all tumors that develop radio resistance, that is they respond poorly to conventional radiation. All cases that currently have no other treatment options.