The HITRIplus EU-funded Hadron Therapy Symposium, held from October 18-21, 2024, in Thessaloniki, Greece, gathered international experts, researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss the current status, challenges, and future advances in hadron therapy. This event attracted a broad audience eager to learn from leading voices in the field.
The Hadron Therapy Workshop (October 18-19, 2024), organized in conjunction with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Regional Workshop on Hadron Therapy under the Technical Cooperation Project RER6039, titled ‘Developing Human Resources for Setting Up an Ion Beam Therapy Centre within the Joint South East European International Institute for Sustainable Technologies (SEEIIST)‘ focused on the scientific and socio-economic impact of hadron therapy, highlighting developments in technology, clinical applications, and strategic plans for next-generation facilities. This collaboration with IAEA reinforced the significance of international partnerships in expanding access to advanced cancer treatments.
The Treatment Planning MasterClass (October 21, 2024), led by renowned experts, provided participants with advanced insights into treatment planning for Hadron therapy, delivering valuable knowledge for clinical application and research development. This masterclass was independently organized as a part of the symposium.
Highlights and Topics:
The symposium featured 49 key speakers from leading hadron therapy centres and research institutions across Europe and the United States, discussing critical topics such as pediatric oncology, emerging treatment techniques, and the integration of innovations such as FLASH and immunotherapy with hadron therapy. Key sessions focused on socio-economic benefits and emphasized the importance of expanding particle therapy access to underserved regions.
With over 400 attendees from 53 countries, the event showcased a remarkable international commitment to advancing particle therapy as a transformative cancer treatment. Countries represented spanned all continents, including Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reflecting a truly global perspective in the field of cancer treatment innovation.
Quote from Yiota Foka, Symposium Organizer
“The Hadron Therapy Symposium is more than just an event—it’s a collective effort to push the boundaries of particle therapy, fostering collaboration and opening new pathways in cancer treatment for regions worldwide.”
Access and Engagement:
The symposium was free and open to both in-person and on-line, allowing wide accessibility. Recorded sessions from the symposium are now available online, ensuring the knowledge shared continues to benefit a wider audience.
Looking Forward
The event underscored the essential role of HITRIplus and similar initiatives in driving innovation and expanding access to advanced cancer treatments. The symposium reinforced the need for hadron therapy facilities across South East Europe and laid a strong foundation for continued international partnerships and innovation in oncology.
For more information and to access the recorded sessions, visit the Workshop Program and MasterClass Resources.
We thank all participants, speakers, collaborators and volunteers for contributing to this impactful event, and we look forward to future advances in particle therapy research and global collaboration in cancer treatment.
