•Publication Date：03/12/2014
•Source： Taiwan Today
An integrated magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scanner (MR-PET), as well as Taiwan’s first proton therapy center, are set to commence operations in northern Taiwan in the first half of 2014.
The MR-PET center was inaugurated March 11 by National Taiwan University Hospital in Taipei City. Free of the interference between MRI and PET subsystems plaguing older models, the new unit has the added benefit of reducing radiation doses by two-thirds, according to NTUH.
The facility is expected to make substantial contributions to diagnosis and treatment in clinical oncology. Also benefitting from the MR-PET scanner is clinical practice in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, NTUH added.
In addition, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Linkou District, New Taipei City, invested NT$4.5 billion (US$148.5 million) in Taiwan’s first proton therapy center. Pilot sessions are scheduled to start in April, with the official launch set for October, according to CGMH’s Department of Radiation Oncology.
It is estimated that the new facility in Linkou will be able to treat around 1,500 cancer patients each year, Department Director Dr. Hong Ji-hong said.
CGMH also revealed plans to invest NT$5.5 billion in setting up a southern Taiwan proton therapy center in Kaohsiung City, with operations commencing October 2018.
