Brazil to Open First Proton Therapy Cancer Center in Rio by 2030

Brazil will build its first proton‑therapy center, a highly precise form of radiotherapy that uses protons instead of photons. The facility will be located in the Barra da Tijuca district of Rio de Janeiro and is scheduled to begin treating patients in 2030.

The project is funded with R$132.6 million from Finep, the agency of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and is being developed in partnership with the National Cancer Institute (INCA). At least 60 % of the center’s capacity will be reserved for users of the public health system (SUS), with a focus on children and adolescents with cancer.

Proton therapy is expected to reduce damage to healthy tissue and lower side‑effects for pediatric patients, addressing Brazil’s roughly 8,000 new infant‑cancer cases each year. Until the new unit opens, patients must travel abroad for this treatment.