Oncology patient numbers double in Niš amid treatment advancements

The Oncology Clinic at the University Clinical Center in Niš is experiencing a significant surge in patient numbers, with the count doubling over the past two years. Clinic Director Ana Cvetanović attributes this rise not only to an increase in newly diagnosed cancer patients but also to improved treatment outcomes that allow patients to live longer with the disease.

Currently, the clinic manages 130 to 140 patients daily in its outpatient unit, with its 60 inpatient beds consistently occupied. Additionally, approximately 200 patients receive radiation therapy daily, and over 200 patients attend consultations weekly. Cvetanović described the volume as "very, very large."

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We have 130 to 140 patients daily in the day hospital, we have 60 beds in the stationary part that are continuously filled, we have about 200 patients daily on radiation therapy, and over 200 patients weekly at consultations. That is a very, very large number of patients.

Cvetanović highlighted the advancements in modern oncology, which have significantly extended the lives of patients with advanced-stage cancer and led to cures for those with early-stage diagnoses. She expressed optimism about the upcoming availability of new innovative drugs in September or October, which will enable the clinic to treat specific subtypes of breast, lung, gynecological, and gastrointestinal cancers according to European and global guidelines.

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We expect that by September or October, new innovative drugs will be available to our patients. In this way, we will be able to treat patients with certain subtypes of breast cancer, lung cancer, gynecological, and gastrointestinal cancers according to all European and world guidelines.

She referred to the current era as an "oncological revolution," compelling medical professionals to continuously learn and keep pace with global advancements. Cvetanović emphasized that oncology is a field where innovation has demonstrated its full potential. The clinic aims to prevent malignant diseases from becoming the leading cause of mortality by 2035 through enhanced prevention, new drugs, techniques, and artificial intelligence.

Regarding prevention and screening, Cvetanović stressed that annual or biennial check-ups are crucial for everyone, regardless of family history. Those with a family predisposition to cancer may benefit from more frequent screenings. The fourth National Oncology Conference, attended by 350 doctors from Serbia and the region, will focus on major malignancies, modern therapeutic approaches, and advancements in oncological surgery, diagnostics, and radiation oncology. State Secretary Ferenc Vicko affirmed that oncology is a priority for the Ministry of Health.

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We have the goal and task that in the coming years, by engaging all capacities to the maximum, improving prevention, introducing new drugs, new techniques, and artificial intelligence, we prevent the occurrence of those bad prognostic figures that we persistently talk about, which is that by 2035, malignant diseases will be first in mortality.