Cantabria Builds Spain's First Public Proton Therapy Unit

Cantabria is advancing a project to build the first purely public proton therapy unit in Spain. Unlike other regions relying on private donations, Cantabria is financing the unit entirely through public funds, totaling €51,555,362. The initiative stands out despite the region's small population of fewer than 600,000 inhabitants and a modest public budget.

The facility aims to treat cancers that are difficult to access and frequently affect children. It is designed to handle approximately 350 patients per year. While seven other Spanish communities are establishing proton therapy services through a €280 million donation from the Fundación Amancio Ortega, Cantabria remains the only region achieving this goal through direct public investment.

Cantabria represents a unique case within the Spanish healthcare landscape. The region, which has a population of less than 600,000 people, manages one of the smallest public budgets among all autonomous communities. Despite these limitations, Cantabria has consistently alternated between different political administrations for over a decade. None of these factors have prevented the region from pursuing an ambitious medical infrastructure goal.

The region is attempting to achieve what no other community has managed: constructing a proton therapy unit that is purely public. This means the facility is funded entirely by the state, without relying on external private financing to acquire the necessary technology. The project is currently valued at €51,555,362 and is progressing through the necessary stages to become operational.

While Cantabria moves forward with its public funding model, other major Spanish regions are taking a different path to establish proton therapy services. Regions such as Madrid, Catalonia, Andalucía, the Valencian Community, Galicia, the Basque Country, and the Canary Islands are all aspiring to provide this advanced treatment.

However, these seven regions are relying on a massive donation to reach their objective. The Fundación Amancio Ortega allocated €280 million to purchase ten proton therapy machines. These machines are being donated to the various communities to help them establish these units. The contrast highlights Cantabria's unique position as the only region securing this specialized medical capability through its own public budgetary allocation.

The primary objective of the Cantabrian unit is to treat specific types of cancers. The technology is particularly suited for tumors that are difficult to access and those that disproportionately affect children. Proton therapy is a form of radiation treatment that allows for high doses of radiation to be delivered to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, making it a vital tool in pediatric oncology.

Once the facility is fully operational, it is projected to have a significant impact on patient care in the region and potentially beyond. The unit is expected to treat approximately 350 patients annually. This capacity ensures that a substantial number of individuals with complex cancer diagnoses will have access to this advanced treatment option within the public healthcare system.