Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology

The Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, formerly known as the Oncology Center, is a key oncology institution in Poland. It was established in 1932 on the initiative of Maria Skłodowska-Curie as the Radium Institute. The headquarters of the institute is located in Warsaw, with branches in Kraków and Gliwice. The institute played a significant role in the history of Polish oncology, and its development was halted by World War II, during which many of its resources were destroyed or confiscated by the occupiers. After the war, the institute resumed its activities in 1946, and in the following years, its structures were adapted, and new departments were created, such as the Department of Tumor Biology and the Chemotherapy Clinic. After the construction of a new complex in Ursynów, the institute gained modern infrastructure, enabling innovative cancer treatment. In 1984, the institute adopted its current name, the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Oncology Center. As part of its mission, the institute conducts scientific research and treats patients, meeting 80% of the national demand for the treatment of certain rare cancers. The institute employs 437 physicians and admits nearly 400,000 patients annually. It develops various clinical trials and is involved in epidemiology and diagnostics, confirming its commitment to creating new treatment standards. Interestingly, the institute has an extensive structure of interdisciplinary units, and in 2022, construction began on a parking lot with nearly 600 spaces. Over the years, the institute's directors have included Władysław Jasiński and Tadeusz Koszarowski, with the current director being Jan Walewski. Future plans include the revitalization and expansion of the institute, which will contribute to the further development of oncology in Poland. The institute also has a cultural mission, preserving the memory of all those who contributed to its development and frequently collaborating with international organizations, highlighting its importance in European oncology.