“We consider it very important to establish a new regime through which we have completed the National Proton Therapy Center at the IPO Porto,” stated the minister during a press conference presenting the conclusions of Wednesday’s Council of Ministers.
Ana Paula Martins noted that “there are few countries in Europe” with proton-based treatment centers, a technology that has “fewer adverse effects” and “greater therapeutic value” than conventional treatment.
“It is an investment exceeding 80 million euros, which will create a reference center in Portugal that will achieve two very important things. On one hand, it will foster research, training, and most importantly, the treatment of our cancer patients, especially in pediatrics,” she specified.
Martins also indicated that the center is being created through “a significant donation” from a foundation and “also with funds” at the level of the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission.
The first national proton therapy center will receive support of 80 million euros for the purchase of equipment, a sum donated by the Amancio Ortega Foundation (FAO) to the IPO Porto.
The infrastructure of the future National Proton Therapy Center (CNP), expected to be completed within three to four years, will be financed “almost entirely by community funds from the Northern Regional Program 2030.”
The CNP aims to prevent patients from “having to cross borders to receive this treatment in other countries,” according to the health minister.
Currently non-existent in Portugal, proton therapy is considered an innovative radiotherapy technique with greater precision and fewer side effects than conventional radiotherapy.
The treatment of cancer patients with protons is highlighted as particularly relevant for patients with long survival, especially within the pediatric population.
The proton cancer therapy center at IPO Porto was announced last year during the ceremony signing the commitment agreement between the FAO, IPO Porto, and the Portuguese government, an event attended by the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro.
On the occasion, the IPO emphasized that the FAO has been responsible for impactful investment in Spain across various societal sectors, particularly in the Public Health Service, with significant support in the renewal of technological facilities.
[News updated at 19h12]
