On March 10–11, 2025, Caen hosted the high-level symposium “Hadrontherapy for Life”, gathering more than 200 participants from leading cancer centres, research institutions, and industry to share clinical progress, scientific innovation, and strategic visions for the future of hadron therapy. Organised by CYCLHAD and the Normandy regional authorities, the event reaffirmed France’s commitment to the development of a national particle therapy platform and its integration within the broader European and international context.
This two-day symposium also served as an important convergence point for ongoing HITRIplus efforts, with active contributions from project partners who brought insights from research, clinical trials, medical physics, technology development, and policy engagement. The event reflected the growing ecosystem of collaboration fostered through HITRIplus and the strategic alignment of regional initiatives with European priorities.
Clinical Leadership and Global Expertise
Following opening remarks by L. Adoui, A. Wahl, and R. Rouzier, and a welcome by G. Gaubert, the symposium began with a retrospective on “Three decades of hadron therapy in France” by Jean-Louis Habrand. The programme then expanded to a wide-ranging series of clinical and scientific sessions.
HITRIplus was well represented across several sessions:
- E. Hug (MedAustron), E. Orlandi (CNAO), and S. Harrabi (HIT) presented clinical experience from leading European facilities participating in the HITRIplus Transnational Access and Research pillars.
- W. Tinganelli (GSI) and A. Facoetti (CNAO) shared results from radiobiology labs within the HITRIplus Joint Research Activities, showcasing progress in FLASH, helium, and preclinical studies.
- Dr. Manjit Dosanjh, leader of the HITRIplus Networking Pillar and ENLIGHT Coordinator, presented the landscape of EU collaborative networks and highlighted the role of HITRIplus in connecting emerging initiatives and advancing access to hadron therapy.
Talks from Japan (S. Yamada, T. Ohno), China (Z. Wang), and institutions across Europe enriched discussions on clinical strategies for challenging indications such as pancreatic cancer, CNS tumours, reirradiation, and paediatrics.
Future Technologies and Facility Planning
On day two, the focus shifted to technological innovation, facility development, and medical physics. T. Tessonnier (HIT), M. Stock (MedAustron), and M. Ciocca (CNAO) discussed critical aspects of carbon beam commissioning, upright positioning, and range uncertainty—central themes also explored within the HITRIplus technical work packages.
Sessions were also dedicated to cost-benefit analysis, regulatory alignment, and European coordination, with Dr Sandro Rossi, HITRIplus Coordinator and CNAO General Director, sharing strategic perspectives on facility development and sustainable implementation.
The concluding discussion on White Paper guidelines, led by J. Thariat, and a technical visit to the CYCLHAD facility, highlighted the ambition to move from vision to execution, not only in Normandy but across all regions aspiring to deliver advanced, equitable cancer care.
HITRIplus: From Participation to Partnership
The Caen symposium was more than a scientific exchange—it was a signal of growing momentum. With HITRIplus playing a key role in connecting expertise and enabling access, the event exemplified what coordinated European collaboration can achieve.
As Prof Dosanjh put it during her intervention:
“This is the continuation of what we began with ENLIGHT and now build with HITRIplus—a platform where science, policy, and clinical care meet to create impact.”
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