Centre Paul Strauss

In November 1923, a beacon of hope was ignited in Strasbourg. The Centre Paul Strauss, a regional center dedicated to combating cancer, was born. This institution, named after the French Minister of Hygiene, Assistance and Social Welfare, Paul Strauss, was a testament to his vision. He recognized the unique nature of cancer and the need for a comprehensive approach to its treatment. The Centre Paul Strauss, right here before us, was a direct result of his pioneering efforts. It arose from the principles he laid out in his 1922 circular, a document that shaped the very foundation of cancer centers in France. Initially integrated with the Hospices Civils de Strasbourg, the Centre Paul Strauss shared its radiology facilities. Its sole service was radiotherapy. However, it housed a remarkable piece of equipment for its time: a radium bomb containing 11 grams of radium. The Centre Paul Strauss continued to evolve. In 1936, a new building was inaugurated. It housed administration, laboratories, an operating room, and advanced curietherapy and roentgentherapy rooms. Following World War II, Professor André Chevalier, along with Professor Charles-Marie Gros, steered the Centre into a new era. They established one of the first nuclear medicine services in France. The Centre Paul Strauss moved into its current, independent facility in 1959. Its growth continued under various directors. Professor Jean Kuntzmann established a versatile biology laboratory and an oncology service. Professor Gérard Methlin oversaw a complete restructuring, bringing the radiotherapy activities of the University Hospitals to the Centre. He also spearheaded “Operation Saturn” in 1988, raising 21 million francs for a high-performance particle accelerator. This community-driven effort underscores the Centre’s significance in Alsace. Later directors, like Professors Simon Schraub, Patrick Dufour, Pascal Piedbois, Yacine Merrouche, and Xavier Pivot, each contributed to modernization and expansion. From its humble beginnings, the Centre Paul Strauss has grown into a pillar of cancer care and research. It continues to serve as a symbol of hope, embodying Paul Strauss’s original vision. It has been a journey of constant evolution, driven by dedicated individuals and a commitment to providing comprehensive cancer care.