This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute in Brno. Since 2019, Prof. MUDr. Marek Svoboda, Ph.D., has been serving as its director. He focuses his clinical work primarily on breast, colon, and rectal cancer, as well as oncological genetics and prevention. His life motto is: “Never give up.”
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute. Over that period, both cancer treatment and the Institute have experienced remarkable advancements. What is the current situation?
In the history of the Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute (MOU), it can truly be said that its growth has paralleled the advancements in oncology over these 90 years. A comparison of two key parameters most accurately illustrates this development. In 1935, the facility’s length was 65 metres, with a built-up area of 1,640 m². By 2025, the premises have expanded to a length of 340 metres and a built-up area of 19,808 m² (including ongoing construction). Despite these changes, the Institute’s mission and ambitious vision have remained constant over the decades. We stand as unique and the largest cancer centre in the Czech Republic, continuously prioritising modern diagnostic and treatment techniques, multidisciplinary collaboration, excellent research, and a respectful, partnership approach to patients and their families.
You achieved success in a national survey on patient satisfaction. Besides treatment, what factors contribute to this satisfaction, and how significant is the role of the staff’s attitude?
The satisfaction of both patients and employees is essential to us. Cancer patients require a tailored approach. While I am confident that we strive to provide the best for our patients, it is always gratifying when independent assessments corroborate this beyond just the letters of appreciation we receive. Last year, the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic carried out the “National Patient Satisfaction Assessment”, and once again, the Institute achieved outstanding results, ranking 1st among 35 participating hospitals.
What patients appreciate most about us are our respect, attentiveness, and thoughtfulness. Additionally, I would highlight our efforts in coordinating and integrating care, which extends not only throughout the patient’s time at the Institute but also continues after they are discharged. We also place significant importance on providing information and involving the family in the process.
You mentioned that construction is underway. What benefits will the new buildings offer, and what other development plans do you have in the pipeline?
That topic could surely fill an entire conversation on its own. However, to whet your readers’ appetite, I would like to highlight that the new buildings will significantly enhance cancer prevention programmes as well as supportive and innovative care. In February, we established the 2030 Development Strategy, which prioritises key projects like the completion of the Photon Therapy Centre, since expanding our radiation therapy capacity is critical, and the completion of the Theranostics Centre. Given our high ambitions and status as the leading cancer centre in the country, I am confident that we will eventually acquire proton therapy as well.
When it comes to innovation, artificial intelligence is beginning to have an impact on contemporary treatments. How do you intend to leverage its potential?
AI-enabled technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern oncology. At the MOUS, we have accumulated five years of experience using systems that assist in evaluating CT and MRI images for patients involved in clinical trials, where these tests need to be conducted more frequently and require the precise measurement of even millimetre changes in tumour development. The growing use of artificial intelligence in oncology was evidenced by a full hall at last year’s Brno Oncology Days in the section dedicated to this issue. We shared updates from international sources as well as our own work through the Brno platform “Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Oncology”. I believe we all understand today that the proper application of AI in medicine is nothing to fear. While no technology, including AI, can replace the personal connection of a handshake or automatically earn respect and recognition from patients, it can greatly enhance the quality of our work and patient safety, which is crucial amid staff shortages and an increasing number of cancer patients.
Thank you for the interview.
