We break new ground
to treat cancer more effectively
To defeat cancer, it must be treated effectively. Thanks to MedAustron, many cancer tumour patients will soon have a new chance for effective treatment – particularly children suffering from cancer.
The new Centre for Ion Beam Therapy and Research in Wiener Neustadt will treat certain types of cancer using protons and carbon ions. Worldwide, there are only three such centres in operation, providing these two types of radiation qualities. With MedAustron in Austria it will be possible to treat certain types of cancer more selectively without harming the adjacent healthy tissue. This treatment is used primarily to combat tumours in the vicinity of particularly sensitive organs, such as brain, spinal cord, optic nerves, lungs, and liver.
This provides new hope for many cancer patients and new opportunities for successful treatment. Annually, approximately 2.8 million EU citizens contract cancer. In Austria, the MedAustron Centre for Ion Beam Therapy and Research will start test operation in 2013 and by 2015 the first treatments will be conducted. At full capacity, every year 1,400 patients will benefit from top international medicine.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ramona Mayer, MSc, Medical Project Manager, Authorised Representative: “The difference to conventional radiotherapy is that the ion beam can be controlled accurately by adjusting the energy within its range. The radiation dose is focused on the tumour. This not only spares the surrounding healthy tissue, but also minimises side effects. “
