A new building of the National Research Oncology Center
(NROC) has opened in Astana. With a total area of 60,000 square meters, the
facility is designed for 210 beds and includes a polyclinic. The center is
equipped with state-of-the-art technology and offers a full cycle of treatment
using advanced methods. For the first time in Central Asia, radiation,
radionuclide, and proton therapies will be available. These treatments are not
only effective but also reduce the impact on healthy tissues, significantly
lowering the risk of damage. This is particularly important in the treatment of
children.
«A unique feature of radiation therapy in Kazakhstan is the
availability of specialized machines. One of these, called Ethos, is
distinguished by its use of artificial intelligence. Before each treatment
session, the machine re-examines the patient to assess the planned treatment,
which can last from 1 to 1.5 months. During this time, the tumor may shrink,
grow, or change its characteristics, and the AI processes the data, notifying
the doctor. This helps reduce the side effects of radiation therapy,» said Adilbek
Mukazhanov, Deputy Chairman of the NROC.
The new building of the oncology center was constructed at
the directive of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as part of the strategy to modernize the
national healthcare system. Each year, up to 10,000 patients will be treated
there. Kazakh citizens will receive treatment free of charge under the
compulsory social health insurance system.
«Indeed, today is a very important milestone for medicine,
for science, but the most important for the people of Kazakhstan and beyond
Kazakhstan, for Central Asia and further. Because today, we are speaking at
this state of art center that has the latest words of technology for diagnosing
cancer. And cancer is the most challenging disease that humanity is facing
today. That's why combining prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and prompt
treatment is so crucial in order to save so many lives of the people,» said Skender
Syla, WHO Representative in Kazakhstan.
Additionally, the new building of the National Oncology
Center houses a cyclotron production complex for radiopharmaceuticals. 11 types
are planned to be produced there, seven of which will be synthesized for the
first time in Kazakhstan.
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