Can you help with info on cancer treatment centers in Cuba?

Question: My wife has had breast cancer which has now turned to bone cancer. I understand that Cuba has cancer treatment centers (hospitals). Can you supply me with names and email addresses?

Answer: The main cancer centre in Cuba is the Havana-based Instituto de Oncología y Radiobiología. In addition to having an outstanding record in cancer-based research, treatment and indeed prevention, this hospital is also incorporated into Cuba’s program of Turismo de Salud (Health Tourism), which facilitates overseas patients receiving care.

To contact Turismo de Salud at the above Hospital, send an email to the director of this department, Dr. José Andres López Losada, at jaminor@infomed.sld.cu In the subject line, be sure to put “para Dr. Losada, jefe, Turismo de Salud “. His direct phone number (office) is (537) 832-2202, should you wish to speak with him in person. He will indicate what information you need to send so that the Hospital can assess if they think they’ll be able to assist your wife’s health condition. Below is the address of the Hospital:

Instituto de Oncología y Radiobiología

Calle 29

Esquina a F (esquina = corner)

Vedado – Municipio Plaza,

Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba
Research carried out by the Instituto de Oncología y Radiobiología has included the development of the monoclonal antibody that recognizes and identifies the presence of the Human Papilloma Virus Ior-HPV1 associated with the appearance of malignant cells and cervical uterine cancer. This antibody enables a fast and accurate diagnosis in screening.

Another study has been done on breast cancer families, enabling the characterization of the gene mutations causing this hereditary cancer and the creation of a Breast Cancer Family Registry in Cuba. Understanding the genetic base of breast cancer can help in identifying the specific cellular mutations responsible for its transmission and ways to prevent this.

More recent studies relate to breast cancer and gene-expression elements that may produce resistance to oncological drugs, as well as studies on prostate cancer.

Recently, the Instituto has undergone major renovation and reconstruction (almost complete), financed by the state, to make it more modern, more comfortable for patients, and outfitted with updated technology.