THE Clinic of the University of Navarra established itself as a European reference in the advancement of proton therapyA external radiotherapy particularly precise, less toxic and very compatible with other major advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This technique, which is an example of precision medicinehas been shown to have a positive impact on improving the quality of life of patients.
Recently, the Proton therapy unit of the Navarre University Clinic Cancer Center (CCUN) shared the experience of the first thousand patients treated during a scientific conference organized in Ramon Areces Foundationfocused on the present and future of this technique. He Dr. Felipe Calvoscientific director of the unit, stressed that proton therapy “has become permanent” and should continue to evolve with repercussions on improving the quality of life of patients.
The event included the participation of Dr Curtiland Devillemedical director of Johns Hopkins Proton Therapy Centerwho highlighted the importance of education and research continue to improve the technique, particularly with regard to dose control and the reduction of after-effects of treatment.
For his part, the Dr. Antonio Gómez Caamañoadvisor to Health of the County of Galiciaemphasized that the proton therapy represents a unique opportunity for many cancer patients and expressed confidence that proton therapy units In Spain collaborate to form a hospital network work together in this area.
THE Dr Elena Panizocoordinator of Pediatric cancer area of CCUN, highlighted how the proton radiotherapy minimizes short- and long-term side effects in children with cancer, protecting fabrics And healthy organs surrounding areas, which is crucial for patient growth. According to Panizo, this treatment is very well tolerated, with minimal side effects and reduces the risk of second tumors.
As for the most common cancershe Dr Mauricio Cambeiroradiation oncologist, discussed the benefits of proton therapy in the treatment of breast cancer And prostate cancerhighlighting its ability to reduce radiation in sensitive organs like him heartTHE lungshe right and the bladderalso protecting the urinary and sexual functionality.
Concerning the future of the unit, the Dr. Javier Aristuscientific director of the unit, stressed that work is underway to expand instructions of patients who can benefit from proton therapy and also to increase the number of international patients.
He general manager of the Clinic of the University of Navarra, Joseba Camposstressed that investment in this excellent technological equipment was possible thanks to the experience accumulated by the thousands of patients treated and the generosity of the Amancio Ortega Foundationwhich will allow complete the national health system with new proton therapy units in the years to come.
Since its launch in April 2020, the unit’s team has treated patients from all autonomous communities of Spain and of 30 different countries. With 54 professionals on its team, the unit has made significant progress in cancer treatment, opening up new possibilities for thousands of patients.
