Particle radiotherapy is especially relevant for children with cancer (photo: Michael Harder, Aarhus University Hospital).

The Danish government has sealed the 2014 national budget and decided to allocate DKK 275 million to Denmark’s new National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy, which will be built at Aarhus University Hospital. 

In the next few years Denmark’s new National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy will be built at Aarhus University Hospital. The total cost will be DKK 700-800 million. The Danish government has granted DKK 275 million and the Central Denmark Region contributes with DKK 50 million . The remaining amount is expected to be covered by foundations. 

Next generation cancer treatment 
Particle therapy is particularly relevant for patients with cancers that are difficult to treat and where the risk of severe side effects makes conventional treatment too dangerous. Radiotherapy causes damage to the tissue surrounding the tumour; with particle therapy it is possible to deliver the high radiation dose more precisely and thus reduce side effects. In children and adolescents particle therapy will also reduce the risk of radiation induced secondary cancer. 

- We are very proud that the National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy will be built at Aarhus University Hospital and we are aware of the huge responsibility that follows. With the particle therapy we are given a unique opportunity to put up a strong fight against cancer, says Bent Hansen, Chairman of Central Denmark Region. 

International attention 
Allan Flyvbjerg, Dean, Aarhus University, Health is convinced that the particle centre will attract international attention. 

- Also internationally this is a significant event. Aarhus University Hospital is host to the largest radiation oncology research department in Scandinavia, well integrated with a comprehensive cancer care program; undoubtedly, establishing the National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy will open new and prosperous possibilities for both patients and research. It brings very exciting perspectives for Aarhus University, says Dean Allan Flyvbjerg. 

Prospect for the future National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy.

A national centre 
The National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy will be treating Danish patients from entire country. According to current plans, the centre will be ready to treat the patient in four years. 


Facts:

• Radiotherapy plays an important role in modern cancer treatment and approximately 50% of all cancer patients undergo radiotherapy. 
• The goal of radiotherapy is to eradicate all cancer cells while damaging the healthy surrounding tissue as little as possible. Up to 15% of patients currently treated with conventional radiotherapy will benefit from treatment with particle therapy. 
• A Danish National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy will be established to accommodate and develop this new treatment. 
• The total cost of establishing the particle therapy centre is expected to amount to DKK 700-800 million – depending on number of treatment rooms and scanners. 
• Contributors: Danish government DKK 275 million, Central Denmark Region DKK 50 million; the remaining amount is to be covered by foundations. 

Further information:
Aarhus University Hospital, Professor, Consultant Cai Grau, tel.: +45 7846 2553