Presentación de la primera Unidad de Protonterapia en Hospital de Fuenlabrada

«We defend a quality, innovative healthcare system that ensures the integrity and dignity of patients in their toughest moments, and we continue to invest in the treatment and prevention of cancer,» emphasized Díaz Ayuso, who highlighted that about 40% of the individuals treated for this condition in Madrid come from other regions.

This facility, in which the regional government is investing 11.1 million euros, and whose construction began a year ago, will house one of the two cutting-edge devices donated by the Amancio Ortega Foundation. The second device will be located in the future Ciudad de la Salud in the capital.

As the head of the regional government explained, the inclusion of Proton Therapy in the portfolio of services offered by the public healthcare system in Madrid will allow for the application of a more precise technique recommended for treating tumors in children and adults. This technique radiates from different angles and concentrates the dose in the area where the tumor is located, reducing the radiation received by the surrounding healthy tissue, thereby minimizing toxicity and adverse effects on other organs, and reducing the likelihood of developing associated complications.

This new equipment will consist of a proton accelerator and a room with a rotating arm, robotized bed, and radiological imaging systems (planning CT) that will enable patients to be irradiated with optimal accuracy from any direction.

Over 2,000 square meters of surface area

The future facility will comprise two floors with a total built area of 2,164 square meters, where, in addition to the bunker for the proton accelerator, new facilities will be created. The ground floor, covering 1,290 square meters, will house the diagnostic, proton treatment, and patient preparation areas. The first floor, with 875 square meters, will be allocated for maintenance, supplies, medical offices, and training.

The incorporation of this advancement marks a new milestone for this hospital, whose services in Radiation Oncology, Medical Physics, and Medical Oncology have been pioneers in applying the most innovative techniques against cancer, as well as in providing compassionate care. The Radiation Oncology service treats around 1,500 individuals each year thanks to the coordinated efforts of various professionals. In recent years, they have introduced new high-precision techniques such as dynamic arc therapy (VMAT) and extracranial stereotactic radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy at home

The president recalled the innovative system of remote care and monitoring of patients at a distance provided by the Madrid public healthcare system, which allows for home-based chemotherapy for individuals who have difficulty attending in-person consultations, as well as monitoring those under post-treatment follow-up. The goal of this initiative, as estimated by Díaz Ayuso, is to reach 1,200 patients.

She also highlighted the more than 2,600 active projects and clinical trials in the Community of Madrid aimed at expanding knowledge about this condition; the national leadership with the Regional Strategy in Advanced Therapies that offer alternatives to those who cannot be cured through conventional means; the Prevecolon system, and the specific programs Deprecam and Cervicam.