Kazakhstan Leads Proton Therapy Advancement in Central Asia for Cancer Treatment
New National Research Oncology Center to Open in Astana
Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, is set to open a new National Research Oncology Center (NROC) equipped with state-of-the-art technology next year. According to the Prime Minister’s press service, the facility will feature Central Asia’s first proton center and will be capable of treating 800-1,000 cancer patients annually.
Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov recently toured the center, which comprises a diagnostic and treatment facility with 210 beds, radiation and nuclear medicine centers, a proton therapy center, and administrative and technical sectors. This budgetary investment initiative involves leading international companies from Switzerland and the United States.
Dr. Sanzhar Shalekenov, an oncologist and the head of the NROC, stated that the new medical establishment is projected to assist 6,000 patients every year. It will specialize in radionuclide diagnostics, the production of radiopharmaceuticals, and radionuclide therapy. The center will provide beam radiotherapy with five devices, including the Edge, Turbine, and Ethos systems, some of which are being introduced in Kazakhstan for the first time.
Additionally, the NROC will include a hematology oncology unit with 15 beds dedicated to bone marrow transplantation. The center aims to perform 180-200 transplantations per year. The future plans for the center include the construction of a scientific and educational center, a 140-bed hospital, three operating rooms, and a large diagnostic clinic.
During his visit to the new medical center, Prime Minister Smailov highlighted the high number of cancer diagnoses and related deaths in Kazakhstan. With over 37,000 cancer diagnoses and more than 13,000 deaths each year, the new center aims to positively impact these statistics.
To ensure the timely inauguration of the center, including the proton therapy segment, Prime Minister Smailov directed the Healthcare Ministry to collaborate with the primary contractor and have it ready by August 1 of next year.
In line with the efforts to combat cancer in the country, Prime Minister Smailov signed a government decree on October 6, approving the Comprehensive Plan to Combat Cancer Diseases for 2023-2027. The plan includes measures to introduce highly effective early diagnosis, develop specialized treatment and rehabilitation programs, and enhance human resources and scientific capabilities.
The opening of the National Research Oncology Center in Astana demonstrates Kazakhstan’s commitment to providing advanced and comprehensive cancer treatment options for its citizens. With its state-of-the-art facilities and international collaborations, the center is poised to make a significant impact on cancer care in the region.
