Osakidetza has reached a significant milestone in the development of the Euskadi Proton Therapy Unit with the reception and installation of the cyclotron, the technological heart of the proton therapy system. Located in a new facility between the Donostia University Hospital and Onkologikoa, this equipment brings one of the world's most advanced cancer treatment technologies closer to patients, with treatments set to begin in January 2028.
Proton therapy will offer more precise, safer, and personalized oncological care, especially beneficial for patients requiring maximum protection of healthy tissues during treatment, such as pediatric patients and adults with complex tumors.
Lehendakari Imanol Pradales highlighted that this new state-of-the-art technology will expand therapeutic options for combating cancer within Euskadi's public healthcare system. The project, with a total investment of 86.3 million euros, also benefits from the collaboration of the Amancio Ortega Foundation.
The transport and installation of the 46-ton cyclotron, measuring 2.20 meters in diameter, involved a complex logistical and engineering operation. It was transported from the Port of Bilbao and carefully lowered into a specially constructed bunker. The process adhered to specific safety protocols and was supervised by the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN).
The installed system, a Proteus One model manufactured by the Belgian company IBA (Ion Beam Applications), will enable radiation to be directed from multiple angles with millimeter precision. This accuracy is crucial for concentrating radiation on the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, particularly important for pediatric patients and tumors near critical organs.
The new 8,287 square meter facility was specifically designed to house this advanced equipment, featuring concrete structures over two meters thick. The Proton Therapy Unit underscores Osakidetza's commitment to innovation and excellence in cancer care, aiming to improve patients' quality of life.
