Moldova's Oncology Institute to introduce bone marrow transplants following Israeli partnership
The Oncology Institute in Chisinau is set to introduce advanced leukemia treatments and bone marrow transplants. This development follows a strategic exchange with Israeli experts focused on life-saving technologies for severe lymphatic cancers.
Current statistics show a morbidity rate for lymphatic cancer of 4.1 per 100,000 residents in Moldova. While chemotherapy is available, the most critical cases require stem cell transplants, which cannot currently be performed within the country.
New strategic framework
The Ministry of Health is prioritizing the modernization of oncological policies to meet European standards. A new National Cancer Control Program is scheduled for 2026 to integrate modern diagnostics for hematological diseases.
"In 2025, we established the program's coordination unit," said Diana Buga, Head of Department at the Ministry of Health. "The 2026 program will implement modern approaches to treating blood-related cancers."
Infrastructure and technology upgrades
The government is currently funding essential upgrades at the Oncology Institute. These investments target the operating block, the recovery room, and the iodine therapy unit.
According to Institute Director Ruslan Baltaga, the modernization also extends to radiotherapy departments. These improvements are designed to support high-tech laboratory research and advanced immunotherapy.
Closing the clinical gap
Israeli specialists, including Dr. Iveta Danilescu, emphasized that modern hemato-oncology requires a full spectrum of care. This includes diagnosis, immunotherapy, and both autologous and donor stem cell transplants.
"CAR-T therapy represents a modern, highly effective option," noted hematologist Vasile Mustață. "In specific clinical cases, these innovations are focused on total healing and improving the patient's quality of life."
Local residents and medical students participated in the Chisinau conference to learn these techniques directly. This expertise transfer is seen as a vital step toward making complex surgeries available locally in the near future.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
