NEWS Local News

Medical science advances in the Algarve

The Algarve will have the first Genetics Laboratory in the south of the country, where anyone can go directly and have genetic tests for more than 1,000 rare diseases. Genelab by ABC is the first laboratory in the Algarve providing genetic tests for the detection of rare diseases, which contributes to the improvement of medical science and at the same time meets the patients’ needs in the region. This project by the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) is taking shape and will be available to the public in January 2022. Until now, without this service, the Algarve and Alentejo were dependent on other laboratory centres in the country, ending up increasing the pressure on them. This new service will provide more comfort to patients and will ease the pressure of services from other centres across the country. In fact, this laboratory will be prepared to find out more than a thousand genetic and rare diseases in medical specialties, such as cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, neuromuscular diseases, among many others that may be associated with a genetic mutation that can only be discovered through this high-level technology.

Technology to change cancer treatments

In addition, this is a great advance in oncology. These tests will ensure a better quality of life for patients, as physicians will be able to decide which sort of treatment is best suited to the pace of disease progression. “In terms of oncology, we can find out if the patient is high risk and then decide whether we should have more aggressive therapy, or if the patient is low risk and we should just wait and see. With this approach, the results for the patient are completely different, not only in terms of survival rate but also in terms of quality of life, as we are not exposing the person to aggressive treatments in cases where we can have better options”, said Dr. Nuno Marques, cardiologist and president of ABC.

Open to the public

One of the most interesting points of this new laboratory is that they are not only at the service of hospitals but also open to the general population, which means that to carry out these tests you can go directly to the lab and schedule your screening. “Normally it would not be possible to do this because no one, who is not an expert, can interpret this type of test. However, we will have a team of specialists in the area available to monitor the patients, assess the person and indicate whether or not it is worth requesting the exam”. Otherwise, whoever wants to take these tests would have to first go through an appointment with a hospital specialist. Dr. Nuno Marques highlighted the importance of having a team of specialists, noting that this team will also be available to assist the hospital's doctors who request their help in order to discuss each case in a multidisciplinary way. This new laboratory has the collaboration of the Spanish Group Health in Code, which has "the largest database in the world that makes the relationship between a specific mutation and what can happen to the patient due to it", according to Dr. Nuno Marques. From January 2022, this laboratory will start working at the University of Algarve (Gambelas) “because it is urgently needed to meet the population’s needs”, but in the future, it will move to a new building in Loulé that is currently under construction. Source: theportugalnews.com

Portuguese tree of the year nomination located in Pedras D'el Rei

The village Pedras D'el Rei, in Tavira, was presented with the candidacy for its Royal Olive Tree, over 2200 years old, for the European Tree of the Year 2022. The Oliveira Real, planted in Roman times, is part of the gardens of the village Pedras D'el Rei and is one of the main attractions for national and international tourists who choose to stay here for their holidays. The tree, together with the beaches located in the area, witnessed the invasion of the Moors and their expulsion, and also witnessed the foundation of Portugal. "Many centuries have passed, and the Oliveira Real present at the Pedras D’el Rei village has withstood all and continues to enchant those who visit the development", says a village representative in a statement, adding that "with a height of 10.3m and a perimeter of 11m from the trunk, the tree was classified in 1984 as a tree of public interest, and is now nominated to be elected the European Tree of the Year 2022. The vote of all Portuguese being very important to promote one of the oldest living beings in Portugal". The tree with the most votes will represent Portugal in the Tree of the Year 2022 European competition. Voting is open until January 5th, 2022, with the winning tree being announced on January 6th. The village of Pedras D'el Rei reinforces that respect for nature, and coexistence in harmony with the local environment, is a priority, the preservation of Oliveira Real is a mission." The village is located in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, between Santa Luzia and Tavira. The apartments and houses are set in large green spaces, with the aim of providing a pleasant and safe stay, in a relaxing and familiar environment.