PTCOG 62 in Singapore was a truly remarkable event, both for the global particle therapy community and for HITRIplus. As President of PTCOG, it was incredibly rewarding to witness the significant scientific advancements and the energy from participants. One of the key highlights was the presentation of a randomized clinical trial for oropharyngeal carcinoma at MD Anderson, the first example of superiority of proton therapy in a phase-III trial compared to X-rays. Toxicity was greatly reduced and overall survival seems to increase in patients treated with protons compared to IMRT at late times. Other unique, first treatments in patients were presented for adaptive particle therapy (PSI) and multi-ion approaches (NIRS-QST), clearly demonstrated how far we have come in pushing the frontiers of treatment. It is also exciting to see AI beginning to play a transformative role in our field, something that will only accelerate in the years to come.
HITRIplus was strongly represented at PTCOG 62, with several of our contributions sparking a lot of interest. Our presentations on ion beam delivery and advanced treatment planning showcased how our collaborative efforts are making real progress.
Looking ahead, HITRIplus continues to play an important role in shaping the future of ion therapy. We aim at pioneering innovations that will not only improve clinical outcomes but also make these treatments more accessible and affordable. Compact treatment systems and cost-reduction strategies are at the heart of this effort, and PTCOG 62 reinforced the importance of making these technologies available to a broader population.
Education remains a cornerstone of HITRIplus’s mission, and I was particularly proud of how engaged our young researchers were throughout the conference. The enthusiasm from the Early Career Researcher Sub-committee was palpable, and I am confident that these talented individuals will be driving the field forward in the near future.
In summary, PTCOG 62 highlighted the significant role HITRIplus plays in advancing particle therapy, and I am excited about the future innovations we will continue to develop together. I look forward to the contribution of HITRIplus to PTCOG 63 in Buenos Aires, June 2-7, 2025 (https://ptcog63.org/).
Written by Marco Durante
Director of the Biophysics Department
Professor of Physics
GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
Plankstrasse 1, Darmstadt
