Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Lisbon Francisco Gentil

Founded in 1923, the Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Lisbon Francisco Gentil (IPO Lisbon) is a renowned hospital institution dedicated to treatment, teaching, and research in the field of oncology.

IPO Lisbon is the main oncology center in the southern region of the country. It serves a quarter of the cancer patients from its area of influence—Greater Lisbon, Ribatejo, Alentejo, Algarve, and the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira—covering a population of nearly five million inhabitants.

IPO Lisbon is a public hospital under the National Health Service (SNS), providing highly specialized and differentiated healthcare services. It enjoys immense social, medical, technical, academic, and scientific prestige. It is greatly appreciated by patients and their families, who value the humanistic approach to healthcare that is the unique hallmark of this institution.

IPO in Numbers

With approximately 2,130 professionals—including 380 doctors, 625 nurses, and 260 health technicians—IPO Lisbon had 264 available beds in 2024, caring for more than 60,000 patients annually.

In 2024, the Institute welcomed 12,688 new patients, conducted 334,738 medical consultations and 147,039 non-medical consultations, performed 8,964 surgeries, and completed 54 autologous transplants, 55 allogeneic transplants, 22 CAR-T cell therapies, and 8 DLI treatments in the transplant arena. Additionally, there were 76,288 radiotherapy treatments, 43,579 chemotherapy sessions, 7,575 nuclear medicine exams, 116,059 radiology exams, 43,050 day hospital sessions, and 3,031 home visits.

The pediatric unit at IPO Lisbon registered 161 new cases of childhood cancer, providing care to 1,467 children throughout the year.

In the area of research (both clinical and translational), IPO is conducting various programs focused on priority areas in oncology, including aggressive tumors and familial cancer, with around 250 active projects annually, including observational studies and clinical trials.

Patient referrals to IPO Lisbon are primarily made through health centers and hospitals—both public and private—within its area of influence. However, due to the high level of specialization and differentiation of its human resources, techniques, and technologies, the institute also receives and treats patients from any region of the country with more complex clinical conditions or rare tumors.

IPO Lisbon also upholds the principle of free choice and patient mobility, in accordance with the prevailing SNS rules and average response times.

Investments

Investments made over the past few years have allowed IPO Lisbon to treat and care for more patients. All inpatient facilities have been upgraded, and the Pediatric and Adult Day Hospitals, Operating Block, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, and Immunohematology Service have been expanded and modernized. Additionally, technological advancements were achieved in the Radiotherapy, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Clinical Pathology, Molecular Diagnostics Laboratories, and Endoscopic Techniques Units.

For 2025, notable investments include the remodeling of the Pathological Anatomy Laboratory. Efforts are also ongoing for the construction of a new outpatient building near Praça de Espanha.

Our Commitment

IPO Lisbon aims to remain at the forefront of medical and scientific knowledge and to serve as a model of excellence within the SNS in healthcare delivery, oncology research, and pre- and postgraduate education.

We strive to continually improve clinical and organizational practices and to consistently provide integrated, specialized, safe, and high-quality healthcare services in a timely manner.

We work to create greater value while respecting patient rights and adhering to principles of scientific rigor, humanization, motivation, and a sense of belonging for both citizens and professionals.

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Source: CI-IPO Lisbon, PACG, 2025