MedAustron in Austria is one of the most advanced particle therapy centres in the world. Located near Vienna in Wiener-Neustadt, this medical centre is one of the few in Europe to offer a safe and effective alternative to radiation therapy. There are only six such facilities around the world. Over 1,000 patients are treated here per year. The clinic covers an area of 32,200 m2.
The medical centre offers proton and ion beam therapy. Their main advantage is greater safety. They produce fewer side effects, which is especially important in the treatment of cancer in children.
The MedAustron team consists of 180 employees from 18 different countries, including doctors, technicians from various disciplines, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiologists.
The clinic is equipped with a particle accelerator capable of accelerating micro-particles - protons and carbon ions - up to ⅔ light speed. For medical purposes, these particles are used to treat cancer. Proton therapy at the MedAustron centre has been carried out since 2016, and ion beam therapy - since 2019. The hospital is equipped with three rooms for the treatment of patients:
Although the rooms differ in the mobility of the transmitter, they all have one thing in common: each of the three rooms is equipped with an innovative robotic positioning system.
The clinic carries out a large number of scientific research, including in the field of radiation oncology. The doctors at MedAustron work closely with the Medical University of Vienna, the Vienna University of Technology, the Institute for High Energy Physics of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt and the Graz Medical University.
MedAustron Clinic accepts health insurance from any EU country.
Cancer species that are treated at MedAustron
Proton or ion beam therapy is possible for any patient who has been recommended for radiotherapy by their oncologist. However, MedAustron equipment is not suitable for all types of oncology. In 2020-21, the clinic is going to install systems with which it will be possible to treat more types of cancer. Now the MedAustron centre accepts patients with:
Brain tumours (gliomas/astrocytomas, pineal tumours, meningiomas, vestibular schwannoma, etc.);
Tumours of the base of the skull (chordomas, chondrosarcomas, pituitary gland adenomas, etc.);
Spinal cord tumours (ependymomas, neurofibromas, osteoblastoma, etc.);
Tumours of the head and neck;
Chest sarcomas;
Tumours of the abdomen (hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer);
Pelvic tumours (prostate cancer, osteosarcomas, etc.);
Various sarcomas (Ewing sarcomas, soft tissue sarcomas, rhabdomyosarcomas, neurofibromas, etc.).
Treatment at the MedAustron Medical Center is available for adults as well as children. It is possible to irradiate the tumour again after an unsuccessful course of radiation therapy. It is can be done no sooner than 12 months after the last irradiation, provided there is a good diagnostic prognosis.
Equipment in MedAustron
Synchrotron, capable of accelerating particles up to 200,000 km/s;
Advantages of proton therapy versus radiation therapy
Preciseness. Healthy tissue is less exposed to radiation. Doctors have better control over the beam and can accurately concentrate its action on the tumour.
Fewer side effects. Severe side effects occur 2-3 times less frequently than with radiotherapy.
Higher efficacy in the treatment of certain cancers such as eye melanoma, chondrosarcoma and chordoma.
Better suited for treating children who are more vulnerable to the long-term effects of radiotherapy.
Reduces the risk of relapse or second cancer.
Does not require hospitalization. Immediately after treatment, the patient can go back to his or her usual routine.
Accommodation at MedAustron Clinic
The clinic is built according to the strictest safety standards of Forster Sandwich Construction. Thanks to them, visitors to the clinic are 100% protected from the radiation of the equipment.
The appearance of the clinic is arranged with care for the welfare of patients. Interior is decorated with natural materials. Several green atriums deliver daylight to every room of the building. At the entrance to the clinic, there is a Japanese Garden, where patients can enjoy some peace and quiet. The pediatric ward is decorated in cheerful tones to make treatment not a scary experience, but an exciting one.
MedAustron Clinic cooperates with transport companies and car rental services, providing patients with reduced prices. The clinic representatives can also help with planning transfers by public transport.
The MedAustron Clinic also cooperates with agencies that can help with the organization of accommodation. Patients can choose from private rooms, hotels, apartments and guesthouses located near the clinic.
The clinic's medical staff is fluent in English. It is also possible to hire a private interpreter from any language, who will accompany the patient to all meetings and procedures.
MedAustron Clinic coordinators are ready to help patients and their attendants with any questions.
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