Cypriots may benefit from innovative cancer therapy in Finland

Cyprus’ Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela is in Finland to discuss the possible cooperation of the two countries with regards to the Boron Neutron Capture Therapy, an innovative cancer therapy.

The Minister is hoping to sign a memorandum of cooperation that will allow patients from Cyprus to be sent to Finland in order to receive this particular therapy.

According to an announcement by the Health Ministry, Hadjipantela discussed the matter on Thursday with Finland’s Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services, Aki Lindén. The two Ministers agreed to start exploratory talks with the goal of signing a memorandum of cooperation for sending patients to Finland to receive this treatment.

During the meeting of the two Ministers, the development of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fields of Primary Health Care and eHealth was also discussed and it was decided to establish bilateral cooperation in these particular fields.

While in Finland, the Minister visited the first inpatient unit in the world that will offer Boron Neutron Capture Therapy, the operation of which is expected to start towards the end of March 2023, the announcement said. It is noted that this cancer treatment technique is currently at the stage of clinical trials and uses innovative technology bringing about promising results in the treatment of head and neck cancers.

He also visited the HUS Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he was briefed by its director and research staff on the innovative methods applied in Finland for the treatment of cancer.

On Friday, Hadjipantela was to visit the Health Incubator in Helsinki and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

According to the announcement of the Ministry of Health, Hadjipantela will be holding meetings with ministers of various European countries with the aim of strengthening and expanding collaborations in the health sector.