Cyprus has taken another important step in the development of high-tech healthcare. On Tuesday, June 2, the new wing of the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre was officially inaugurated. The facility is directly linked to the launch of a state-of-the-art service that is already operational and provides patients with access to one of the most effective methods of cancer diagnosis available today.
The opening ceremony was attended by the centre’s management, members of the Board of Trustees, medical staff, and representatives of patient organizations. The launch of the new unit marks an important milestone not only for the medical institution itself but also for Cyprus’s healthcare system as a whole.
A New Cyclotron Expands Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities
The new facility houses a modern cyclotron unit, which is a key component of the PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) system. It is used to produce the specialized radiopharmaceuticals required for highly accurate diagnostic imaging.
Before the introduction of such technology, many patients had to wait for radiopharmaceutical supplies from abroad or undergo certain examinations outside Cyprus. Now, a significant portion of the diagnostic process can be carried out directly at the Oncology Centre, substantially reducing waiting times and improving the efficiency of medical care. Experts note that having an in-house cyclotron is considered a major indicator of a modern oncology infrastructure and remains unavailable at many medical institutions across the region.
What Is PET/CT and Why Is It So Important?
PET/CT is regarded as one of the most informative diagnostic tools in modern oncology. The examination combines the capabilities of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT), allowing physicians to simultaneously assess both the structure of organs and the metabolic activity of tissues.
This enables specialists to detect malignant tumors at an early stage, determine the extent of disease progression, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and make more accurate decisions regarding therapy options. Today, PET/CT is widely used in leading oncology centers across Europe, the United States, and Asia. Beyond cancer diagnosis, the technology is also applied in the assessment of certain cardiovascular and neurological conditions.
The launch of the new service significantly expands Cyprus’s diagnostic capabilities. Patients can now undergo comprehensive examinations more quickly and without the need to seek treatment abroad. The centre’s ability to produce radiopharmaceuticals on-site also allows medical staff to schedule examinations more efficiently while maintaining high diagnostic standards.
According to specialists, reducing the time between referral and diagnosis is particularly important in oncology, where early detection directly influences treatment outcomes and patient prognosis.
Christos Triantafyllides, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, described the launch of the PET/CT service as an important stage in the institution’s ongoing development. He stated that the centre’s primary mission remains providing Cyprus residents with access to the most advanced diagnostic and treatment methods available. He also emphasized the organization’s continued investment in scientific development, innovative technologies, and improvements in healthcare quality. Particular attention was given to preserving the founding principles of the centre, where patient care remains the highest priority.
An Anonymous Benefactor Helped Make the Project Possible
The construction of the new building was made possible through a substantial donation from a philanthropist who chose to remain anonymous. According to Triantafyllides, one of the conditions attached to the funding was that the Bank of Cyprus, as a co-founder of the centre, would contribute to the financing of future operating theatres planned as part of the institution’s continued expansion.
This initiative will support the ongoing modernization of the medical facility and broaden the range of services available to cancer patients.
In recent years, the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre has invested heavily in new technologies, advanced equipment, and the professional development of its medical staff. The launch of the PET/CT service and cyclotron unit forms part of a long-term strategy aimed at transforming the centre into one of the leading oncology institutions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Healthcare experts note that the introduction of such technologies aligns with global trends toward personalized medicine, where diagnostics and treatment are tailored as precisely as possible to each individual patient. The opening of the new facility not only enhances the quality of healthcare in Cyprus but also strengthens the country’s position as a regional hub for modern medicine, capable of providing access to advanced diagnostic and treatment solutions without requiring patients to travel abroad.