The OECI Network

Presentation of the Centre

Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute (MMCI) is the largest cancer centre in the Czech Republic, providing health care services, research, and education in the areas of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of solid tumors. Currently serves as the National Cancer Centre in the network of Czech Comprehensive Cancer Centres.

Main research activities

MMCI operates its own facility for basic and translational research, RECAMO (Research Center for Applied Molecular Oncology) with its 7 research groups. Part of the MMCI research infrastructure is the Department of Clinical Trials. Its Phase I Unit is certified for first-in human trials. MMCI serves as the national node of the BBMRI-ERIC research infrastructure for biobanking and also is one of the founding members of the Czech research group "Center for Artificial Intelligence in Oncology".

Core Facilities

Our patients have access to the most innovative diagnostics and cancer treatment options, including robotic surgery, theranostics, precision oncology, and radiotherapy. Every year, almost 5,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients start treatment at MMCI. We perform approximately 5,500 surgeries, including robotic procedures, more than 8,000 patients is treated by anticancer drugs and 2,500 is treated by radiotherapy.

Education

MMCI provides oncology education for both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for patients and the general public. MMCI is accredited to provide education and training in 18 specializations for physicians, 5 specializations for pharmacists and 8 specializations for nurses and other non-medical health professionals. MMCI organizes various educational events. Brno Oncology Days stands out as the most significant one attracting over 2,000 participants annualy.

MMCI in numbers

• 1,123 employees, of whom 131 hold a scientific degree
• 220 inpatient beds /8,432 inpatient cases
• 44 beds in 2 day care units /32,078 treatment applications
• 52 number of outpatient clinics /578,103 outpatient treatments
• 5,552 operations, including robotic surgeries
• 650,923 radiotherapy procedures
• 192 peer-reviewed publications
• 127 clinical trials
• A+ rating from patients

Presentation of the Centre

Motol University Hospital (MUH), the largest healthcare facility in the Czech Republic, provides comprehensive medical care for both children and adults, guided by the latest medical knowledge and the motto "Serving Generations." Each year, MUH serves over 1,200,000 individuals on an outpatient basis and admits more than 77,300 patients. The Department of Oncology, associated with the Second Faculty of Medicine at Charles University and MUH, was recognized as one of the Comprehensive Centers in 2014 and designated as one of the two National Cancer Centers in the Czech Republic.

Main Research Activities at MUH

MUH is actively engaged in the EU's Horizon 2020 research program, along with various projects supported by the Czech Research Council. The "Modern Therapies" initiative has been introduced at MUH to foster the integration of scientific research findings into clinical practice. Eleven departments at MUH are part of different European Reference Networks for Rare Diseases, including EURACAN. The Department of Oncology participates in several EU Joint Actions for Cancer, such as CRANE, IDEA4RC, and JANE, and is a member of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). Furthermore, the Department of Immunology collaborates closely with a leading Czech biotechnology company to develop innovative cancer immunotherapies.

Core Facilities at MUH

MUH is structured into three distinct sections dedicated to patient care: a pediatric wing with approximately 600 beds, an adult wing with 1,230 beds, and a facility for long-term illnesses housing 390 beds. The hospital boasts 29 large operating rooms and 12 intensive care units. It offers comprehensive departments for both children and adults, including a transplant department for solid organs and bone marrow, as well as a tissue bank. MUH hosts several multidisciplinary cancer teams specializing in areas such as gynecology, gastroenterology, urology, and pulmonology. Advanced surgical techniques, including robotic surgery, have been implemented in the surgical and urological departments. The radiotherapy unit is equipped with three modern linear accelerators capable of IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, RMS, and brachytherapy. MUH also encompasses various specialized laboratories for genetics, molecular biology, clinical biochemistry, immunology, medical microbiology, pathology, and molecular medicine. Additionally, genetic testing and consultations are provided by the Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, which also functions as the National Coordination Center for Rare Diseases.

Education

MUH hosts two medical faculties from Charles University in Prague, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate education. These faculties award degrees in general medicine, physiotherapy, and general nursing, as well as doctoral programs in biomedicine. Additionally, MUH participates in the ERASMUS program, educating a number of students annually.