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Lars Løkke inaugurated the particle radiotherapy centre

On 28 February, the National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy was officially inaugurated. Six patients are already undergoing treatment and researchers at the Department of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University are pleased with the way in which the centre integrates research and patient treatment.

The National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy at Aarhus University Hospital is now officially open. After almost eight years of planning, construction and the installation of equipment, the centre held its official inauguration ceremony on 28 February.

Many prominent guests attended the event, among them Denmark’s Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. 

“Eight years ago, the decision was taken to build this centre. Since that day, many people have been steadily working to realise it. Those efforts have been successful – and you are already hard at work. Your work will be enormously important for cancer patients and their relatives,” said Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

“In my experience, robust solutions in the healthcare system require investment, cooperation and time – there are no miracle solutions. The official inauguration of this centre is a good example of this.”

Largest grant from Mærsk towards hospital equipment

Both the private- and public sectors have contributed to the construction of the National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy. The most significant private donor is the Moller Foundation which has given DKK 250 million out of the DKK 800 million total cost of the centre. The foundation’s donation goes towards the centre's equipment for patient treatment.

Being able to improve cancer treatment is very rewarding,” said Ane Uggla, chair of the Moller Foundation. Photo: Tonny Foghmar/AUH.

“The foundation has a good tradition for supporting medical science, but we have never previously made such a large grant for a single piece of equipment,” said Ane Uggla, chair of the Moller Foundation.

“We respect the level of scientific knowledge in Aarhus. The team around the National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy are very capable and we’ve found the project management to be inordinately sure-handed.”

A professional beacon

The National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy is the first and only location for treatment with particle radiotherapy in Denmark. But the centre also stands out internationally by integrating research in the day-to-day treatment of patients. The centre has therefore enjoyed a close collaboration with Aarhus University from day one.

“The National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy is a research beacon that stands out in the international landscape. It’s a good foundation to stand on," said Brian Bech Nielsen, rector of Aarhus University.

"It means the centre has great potential. I believe that many breakthroughs in cancer treatment will originate here."

Already up and running

Morten Høyer, head consultant at the National Centre for Particle Radiotherapy, could announce that the centre has already begun treating its first patients. The very first patient was treated a month ago and six patients are now undergoing a course of treatment.

Danish Prime minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen (left) and the chair of the regional council Anders Kühnau (right) had the chance to say hello to Anton the doll, who played the role of patient during the inauguration of the centre. Photo: Tonny Foghmar/AUH.

“This is an important day for cancer research and treatment in Denmark and one that we’ve been looking forward to for many years,” said Morten Høyer.

“It’s only been possible because there has been a huge effort across the entire country.”

To begin with, Aarhus and Copenhagen both argued that the national centre should be built in their city. But after the decision was made in December 2012 to build the centre in Aarhus, all of Denmark’s cancer departments have worked to establish a good working relationship with the centre in Aarhus.

Find out more about particle radiotherapy by visiting the centre’s website: www.partikelterapi.dk.