The Society of Medical Oncologists of Greece has called for strict oversight of cancer treatments following reports of an unlicensed private clinic operating in the country.
The medical society issued its warning after reports emerged concerning an unlicensed oncology department in a private clinic where chemotherapy administration is currently under investigation by authorities. Official bodies are examining the conditions under which cytostatic drugs were administered at the facility.
In a formal statement, the society said it was not evaluating the specific case or prejudging decisions by administrative, disciplinary, or judicial authorities. However, representatives emphasized that the published findings highlight a major issue concerning the safety and quality of cancer care across Greece.
The Society of Medical Oncologists of Greece, known locally as EOPE, serves as the principal professional body for medical oncologists nationwide. The organisation establishes clinical guidelines and advocates for standards in cancer treatment across public and private healthcare sectors in Greece.
Specialist supervision for solid tumor treatments
EOPE stated that the selection, prescription, and medical supervision of chemotherapy and other systemic anticancer treatments for adult patients with solid tumors belong strictly to doctors with a recognized specialty in medical oncology. Solid tumors include cancers of organs such as the lungs, breast, colon, and prostate.
The society stressed that partial training or localized experience in organ-specific oncology cannot replace a complete and institutionally recognized medical oncology qualification. Treating solid tumors requires comprehensive training in systemic drug administration and patient management.
EOPE noted that it has repeatedly urged state authorities to establish clear institutional rules governing oncology care. The society has submitted its positions to the Ministry of Health, the National Organisation for the Provision of Health Services, known as EOPYY, and the Central Health Council, known as KESY.
The Ministry of Health oversees national health policy and hospital licensing across Greece. EOPYY manages public health insurance and handles electronic drug prescribing, while KESY acts as the official advisory council on medical qualifications and clinical standards.
Complex nature of chemotherapy delivery
The medical society emphasized that chemotherapy is not a simple matter of administering medication. The process demands accurate diagnosis and staging, individualized treatment selection, and careful evaluation of potential drug interactions and contraindications.
Physicians must also adjust drug dosages based on patient response and rapidly manage severe or life-threatening adverse reactions. Chemotherapy agents, also known as cytostatic drugs, work by stopping cancer cells from dividing, but they carry significant toxicities that require continuous medical oversight.
Systemic anticancer therapies must be delivered exclusively in legally licensed oncology units or day-care facilities equipped with specialized infrastructure. Required standards include a responsible medical oncologist, trained nursing staff, certified preparation procedures for cytostatic drugs, and emergency response capabilities.
Facilities must also maintain complete record-keeping, drug traceability, and pharmaceutical controls for every treatment session. Units must possess all supportive medical services and physical infrastructure mandated by their official operating licenses.
Five key demands for health sector reform
To protect patients, EOPE outlined five essential measures for health authorities. First, the state must legally restrict the prescription and supervision of systemic therapies for solid tumors to certified medical oncologists. Second, electronic prescribing systems for antineoplastic drugs must be linked directly to recognized medical oncology qualifications and approved indications.
Third, authorities must conduct regular and meaningful inspections of all public and private facilities offering cancer care. Fourth, regulators must immediately suspend operations at any facility that fails to meet licensing, staffing, or safety requirements.
Fifth, facilities must fully inform patients regarding their attending doctor's specialty and the facility's licensing status. EOPE stated that cancer patients have a fundamental right to know that their care is managed by recognized specialists within safe, licensed environments.
Guarantees for patient safety
The society clarified that its demands do not represent professional guild interests, but rather a fundamental guarantee of quality, accountability, and human life.
EOPE confirmed that it remains at the disposal of the Ministry of Health, EOPYY, and regulatory bodies to help construct a clear, enforceable framework. The society aims to prevent similar incidents in the future and strengthen oncology care standards throughout Greece.
