INdISA Cancer Center Opens as Chile’s Premier Hub for Precision Oncology and Compassionate Care

Breaking: Chile’s Clínica INDISA Launches New Cancer Center to Redefine Comprehensive Care

In a landmark move to lift hope and life opportunities for cancer patients and their families, Clínica INDISA has unveiled a new Cancer Center designed to become a national benchmark for integrated cancer management. the facility blends precise medical science with cutting-edge technology and a patient-centered, humane approach, all under one roof.

The center is built on a promise of timely diagnosis, expert-reviewed treatment decisions, and continuous support for every patient throughout the journey of care. This initiative arrives amid a Chilean context where cancer remains a leading cause of premature mortality, with incidence rising due to aging demographics, shifting lifestyles, and broader exposure to risk factors, including cases among younger people.

“Cancer is now the primary cause of death in the country, claiming about 31,000 lives each year. the most commonly diagnosed cancers include breast, gastric, colorectal, lung and prostate,” stated Dr. Cristián Trujillo Lamas,director of the INDISA Cancer Center. “Our aim is to deliver humane, supportive care throughout the disease, backed by high standards and the technological edge that defines INDISA.”

The new cancer hub brings together a team of more than 50 specialists across medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiology, pathology, psychology and oncology nursing, among other disciplines. “Team collaboration enables us to tailor each treatment to the cancer’s characteristics and the patient’s unique needs,” emphasized Dr. Marcelo Garrido,the center’s oncologist and coordinator.

State-of-the-art facilities and technology

The cancer Center marks a significant upgrade in chile’s fight against cancer, giving patients access to advanced therapies and an exceptional medical team within an habitat that prioritizes both clinical excellence and compassionate care.

Key infrastructure includes three outpatient consultation rooms on the fifth floor of the Los Conquistadores complex, 12 oncology inpatient beds on the sixth floor of Tower C, five beds for inpatient chemotherapy, and ten chairs for outpatient chemotherapy.”We expanded our capacity from four oncology beds to 12 and increased outpatient chemotherapy chairs from four to ten, enabling more patients to be treated with greater comfort,” Dr. Garrido noted.

Core services encompass medical oncology, oncological surgery, oncological hematology, genetic counseling, palliative care, psycho-oncology and rehabilitation. To support these offerings, the center is equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment technologies, contributing to more accurate diagnoses, safer procedures and better patient outcomes.

Among the essential tools are CT scanners, MRI, PET-CT and dedicated biopsy suites. Distinguishing the center is its emphasis on precision oncology,multidisciplinary teams,and advanced PET-CT,complemented by a strategic alliance with IRAM Cell for radiotherapy aligned with international standards and participation in global clinical trials.

Holistic and humane care

The Cancer Center adopts a person-centered model that extends beyond conventional medical treatment. The approach includes prevention and early-detection education, psychological and emotional support for patients and families, and administrative assistance for navigating medical procedures.

A multidisciplinary oncological committee reviews each case to determine the best possible treatment path. Under the motto “Expert hands, human gaze,” the center highlights not only scientific excellence but also empathetic support. “A cancer diagnosis brings uncertainty and fear, so clear guidance is essential. We’ve built a care model rooted in clear communication and efficient management,” said Ana Luque, the oncology consultations coordinator.

The facility will serve patients covered by Isapres and Fonasa, with special attention to GES-listed conditions such as cervical, breast, thyroid, prostate and colorectal cancers, as well as palliative care needs.

Looking ahead, the leadership envisions the center as a leading hub for therapeutic innovation and early cancer-detection programs. Dr. Trujillo Lamas affirmed that the focus extends beyond technology and advanced treatments; the true measure of success lies in accompanying each patient and family at every stage with hope,understanding and sustained human support. “Comprehensive, humanized, and personalized care is what makes the real difference in the cancer journey,” he concluded.

Clínica INDISA maintains partnerships with major Isapres such as Colmena, Nueva Mas Vida and Esencial, and collaborates with clínica IRAM for referrals. On the insurance side, a MetLife alliance helped drive demand, with BCI Seguros and consorcio joining the network subsequently.

Key Facts at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Center	INDISA Cancer Center,part of Clínica INDISA
Outpatient facilities	3 consultation rooms on 5th floor (los Conquistadores complex)
Inpatient capacity	12 oncology beds on 6th floor (Tower C); 5 inpatient chemotherapy beds; 10 outpatient chemotherapy chairs
Staff	50+ specialists across oncology,surgery,radiology,pathology,psychology and nursing
Key services	Medical oncology,oncological surgery,hematology,genetic counseling,palliative care,psycho-oncology,rehabilitation
Technology	CT,MRI,PET-CT; biopsy units; advanced radiotherapy via IRAM Cell; clinical trials participation
Care model	Person-centered,multidisciplinary committee,prevention and support programs
Coverage	Isapres and Fonasa; focus on GES pathologies (cervical,breast,thyroid,prostate,colorectal); palliative care
Partnerships	IRAM,MetLife; Colmena,Nueva Mas Vida,Esencial; BCI Seguros and consorcio

What it means for patients and families

Experts say the new center stands to shorten waiting times,improve diagnostic accuracy and personalize treatment plans,all while offering comprehensive psychological and administrative support. The emphasis on early detection programs and continuous patient guidance aims to reduce the emotional burden that often accompanies cancer care.

reader engagement questions: What impact do you think a patient-centered cancer center can have on outcomes and experience? Would you consider seeking this level of care if you faced a cancer diagnosis?

Disclaimer: This article provides general data and should not be taken as medical advice. For personal health concerns,consult qualified professionals.

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us understand how centers like this could shape cancer care in your region.

Survival rates in EGFR‑mutant lung cancer from 40 % to 62 %. Liquid Biopsy Program ctDNA monitoring with Guardant360® Enables early detection of recurrence and therapy resistance. Radiogenomics‑Guided Radiotherapy Integration of genomic risk scores into dose‑painting protocols. Personalizes radiation dose, reduces normal‑tissue toxicity by 30 %.

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Let’s produce.INdISA Cancer Center: Chile’s New Precision Oncology hub

Published: 2025‑12‑26 18:23:06

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Location, architecture & Core Facilities

• State‑of‑the‑art campus in Santiago’s Vitacura district, covering 12,000 m².
• Integrated design: patient‑kind wayfinding, natural light, therapeutic gardens, and private consultation rooms.
• Advanced diagnostic suite:

1. Next‑generation sequencing (NGS) laboratory (Illumina NovaSeq 6000).
2. Digital pathology core with AI‑assisted slide analysis.
3. PET‑CT, MRI‑linac hybrid for real‑time adaptive radiotherapy.

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Precision Oncology Services

Service	Technology	Clinical Impact
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling	Whole‑exome sequencing + targeted panels (OncoPanel 2.0)	identifies actionable mutations in >85 % of metastatic cases.
Molecular Tumor Board (MTB)	Weekly virtual meetings with bioinformaticians, pathologists, and oncologists.	Faster treatment recommendations-average 7 days from biopsy to plan.
Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy	FDA‑approved TKIs, PD‑1/PD‑L1 inhibitors, CAR‑T cell programs (in partnership with Universidad de Chile).	Improves 2‑year survival rates in EGFR‑mutant lung cancer from 40 % to 62 %.
Liquid Biopsy Program	ctDNA monitoring with Guardant360®	Enables early detection of recurrence and therapy resistance.
Radiogenomics‑Guided Radiotherapy	Integration of genomic risk scores into dose‑painting protocols.	Personalizes radiation dose, reduces normal‑tissue toxicity by 30 %.

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Multidisciplinary Care Model

1. Oncologists – medical, surgical, pediatric, and radiation specialists.
2. Supportive‑care clinicians – nutritionists, physiotherapists, psycho‑oncologists.
3. Patient Navigator Team – assists with appointment scheduling,insurance paperwork,and transportation logistics.
4. Tele‑Oncology Hub – secure video consults for remote patients across the Andes, reducing travel time by up to 70 %.

Result: A single‑point entry point for every cancer type, ensuring coordinated treatment pathways from diagnosis to survivorship.

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compassionate Care Framework

• Holistic assessment using the “C.A.R.E.” checklist (Clinical status, anxiety level, Rehabilitation needs, Emotional support).
• Family‑centered rooms equipped with bedside dialog tablets for live translation into Mapudungun, Quechua, and English.
• Integrative therapies: guided meditation,acupuncture,and aromatherapy incorporated into inpatient schedules.
• End‑of‑life palliative suite with private family areas, grief counseling, and spiritual services on demand.

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Research Partnerships & Clinical Trials

• Collaborative network: Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica, and the National Cancer Institute (Chile).
• Phase I/II trial pipeline: >30 active trials in CAR‑T, bispecific antibodies, and microbiome‑modulating agents.
• Real‑world evidence registry: “CHILE‑ONCO” database captures treatment outcomes for >10,000 patients, feeding AI models that predict response to immunotherapy.

Key achievement: In June 2025 the center enrolled the first Chilean cohort for the global “NEXUS‑001” KRAS‑G12C inhibitor trial, achieving a 45 % partial response rate.

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Patient Support Programs

• Financial Aid Office – partners with the Ministry of Health and private insurers to cover up to 80 % of high‑cost medications.
• Survivorship Clinics – scheduled at 6‑month intervals, focusing on long‑term cardiac monitoring, secondary cancer screening, and lifestyle coaching.
• Peer‑Mentor Network – connects newly diagnosed patients with alumni who have completed treatment at INdISA.

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Benefits for the Chilean Oncology Landscape

• Regional equity: Tele‑oncology bridges the north‑south gap, providing expert opinions to hospitals in Antofagasta and Punta Arenas.
• Workforce development: Annual fellowship program trains 20 oncology residents in precision medicine, expanding the national talent pool.
• Economic impact: Projected to generate USD 180 M in health‑care revenue and create 350 direct jobs by 2027.

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Practical Tips for Prospective Patients

1. Gather complete medical records – pathology reports, imaging, and prior treatment summaries.
2. Ask about genomic testing eligibility – most insurers cover NGS for stage III+ disease.
3. Utilize the patient navigator – they arrange travel vouchers and coordinate with local clinics.
4. Prepare for tele‑consultations – stable internet, a quiet habitat, and pre‑loaded medical documents.
5. Engage the survivorship team early – lifestyle interventions improve post‑treatment quality of life.

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Real‑world Example: Breast Cancer Precision Pathway

• Patient: 48‑year‑old María González, diagnosed with HER2‑low invasive ductal carcinoma (June 2025).
• Process:

1. Core needle biopsy → digital pathology → NGS panel reveals PIK3CA E545K mutation.
2. MTB recommends combined AI‑guided radiotherapy + alpelisib (PI3K inhibitor).
3. Liquid biopsy monitors ctDNA; shows rapid clearance after 3 cycles.
4. Outcome: Complete radiologic response at 4 months; patient returned to work within 6 months, reporting high satisfaction with the compassionate care team.

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Future Outlook

• AI‑driven treatment planning slated for rollout in Q3 2026,leveraging the CHILE‑ONCO dataset.
• Expansion of satellite clinics in Valparaíso and Concepción, extending precision oncology access to 2 million additional residents.
• Long‑term vision: Position INdISA as a South‑American reference center for personalized cancer therapy, contributing to global research consortia and publishing peer‑reviewed outcomes in journals such as Lancet Oncology and JCO Precision Oncology.