On Friday, February 4th, on the occasion of World Cancer Day, the Antoine Lacassagne Center organized a visit to its low-dose integrated 3D scanner, in service since December 2021. The departmental elected official Eric Ciotti and Charles-Ange Ginésy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes department, were notably in attendance.
“Cancer is a scourge that affects 382,000 people annually in France and claimed the lives of 157,400 of our fellow citizens in 2018”, Eric Ciotti, during the visit of the integrated 3D scanner.
France has three proton therapy centers: one in Caen, one in Orsay, and one in Nice. The latter, the Antoine Lacassagne Center, is the only one equipped with a low-dose 3D scanner “Cone Beam CT” system. Practically speaking, it is a system that allows for enhanced control of tumor positioning during treatment.
The integrated 3D scanner at the Antoine Lacassagne Center.
The scanner also expands innovative indications in proton therapy, allowing more patients to be treated. Proton therapy is a form of precision radiotherapy that can treat cancer similar to chemotherapy or surgery. Its advantage is the use of proton beams that target the tumor and irradiate very little beyond it. As a result, its precision allows for the treatment of tumors near sensitive organs, particularly in children.
This 3D scanner is the winner of the 11th health project call of 2019 launched by the Alpes-Maritimes department. It’s funded up to 50% by the department, amounting to €437,500. The Antoine Lacassagne Center has already been recognized for 23 projects related to cancer screening and treatment.
“On World Cancer Day, it is important to remember that cancer is the leading cause of death in France, but undeniable progress is being made in research and treatments: immunotherapy, proton therapy… In France, and particularly in the Alpes Maritimes, we are fortunate to receive excellent care from committed stakeholders.” declared Emmanuel Barranger, general director of the Antoine Lacassagne Center.
From left to right: Thierry Pattou, president of the Alpes-Maritimes committee of the League Against Cancer, Thierry Piche, health mission officer with the president of the Alpes-Maritimes department.
From right to left: Pierre-Yves Bondiau, head of the radiotherapy department at the Antoine Lacassagne Center, Emmanuel Barranger, general director of the Antoine Lacassagne Center, Eric Ciotti, president of the departmental finance committee, Charles-Ange Ginésy, department president.
“Supporting research and the teams that fight this scourge daily is essential. The Department, as a community of solidarity, has made it one of its priorities by strongly and consistently supporting the Antoine Lacassagne Center and the League Against Cancer. Together, we advance research to provide Maralpins with cutting-edge modern care”, added Charles-Ange Ginésy.
In autumn 2022, the Axel Kahn institute will open its doors, temporarily at 3 Alfred-Mortier street in Nice, before finding a place to accommodate all the institute’s offerings. This departmental institute for the fight against cancer, funded by the Alpes-Maritimes department, in association with the Antoine Lacassagne Center and the League Against Cancer, will help support each patient and their relatives. It will offer a personalized and comprehensive care package.
