Debrecen4U October 17, 2025

Robotic technology helps treat cancer patients in Debrecen

The automated cytostatic mixture infusion preparation robot was introduced for the first time in Hungary at the Clinical Center of the University of Debrecen. The management of the Clinical Center learned about the operation of the robot during an on-site tour on Wednesday.

The robot has been used for a few weeks in the cytostatic mixture infusion preparation laboratory of the University Pharmacy of the Clinical Center of the University of Debrecen, which has been operating since 2017. The automated cytostatic mixture infusion preparation device was introduced for the first time in Hungary and the fourth in Europe at the Clinical Center of the University of Debrecen, as can be read in the announcement of the University of Debrecen.

“The use of the robot is a significant step forward in terms of drug and patient safety, as well as the protection of workers. The Clinical Center pays special attention to protecting the health and safety of its employees, especially in work processes that pose increased risk—such as the production and mixing of cytostatics.

These procedures require a special working environment, where maximum protection is essential. In addition, the high quality of the mixture infusions produced by the robot also greatly enhances patient safety.

That is why we are very pleased that we have managed to acquire this modern device, which not only meets the highest safety requirements but is also unique in the national context,” emphasized Professor Zoltán Szabó, President of the Clinical Center of the University of Debrecen.

Human intervention is still required for operation, for example, reading the therapy (data matrix code on the label), loading the infusion ingredients (drug, carrier, closed drug transfer device), and removing the finished infusion, but the robot significantly increases the efficiency and safety of infusion preparation, and its use is simple and straightforward.

“The device is one of the most secure systems, thanks to the use of closed drug delivery devices, AI technology, and three high-resolution cameras. With multi-step, image-based authentication, it minimizes the possibility of drug preparation errors.  It accurately identifies the therapy prescribed to the patient and the preparations used, from drug ampoules to infusion bottles, thus ensuring complete documentation and traceability. The protection of employees is guaranteed, as the process is fully automated, so they cannot come into direct contact with cytostatics,” explained Gyula Buchholcz, chief pharmacist and head of the University Pharmacy of the University of Debrecen Clinical Center.

The robot can produce 40-50 infusions per day in the test plant, which are used in the treatment of cancer patients, but its capacity can be increased several times in the future. The robot can be fully integrated into the existing hospital IT system and is compatible with the CATO software supporting oncology therapy planning and cytostatic preparation.

The management of the Clinical Center visited the laboratory on Wednesday, where they viewed the cytostatic mixture infusion assembly robot and received comprehensive information about the operation of the technology and the advantages of the robotic system.

Source and photo credit:dehir.hu