International Workshop on Fast Neutron Therapy: Essen 14-16 September 2006

14 March 2007

More than 60 people attended the Workshop over the three days - significantly exceeding the organisers' expectations. Included were representatives form the principal neutron therapy facilities worldwide. Delegates came from 10 countries attended and, whilst travel costs precluded anyone from Obninsk coming to Essen, their data and an overview of their facility were presented. Information from this centre was new for most of those attending. Delegates from the new Fast Neutron Therapy (FNT) facility to be opened shortly in Munich were also present.

University Hospital Essen support

The meeting was opened by Prof. W. Havers, Medical Director of the University Hospital Essen and by Prof. M. Stuschke, Director of the Department of Radiotherapy. It attracted a report in the local newspaper which included the observation that ‘Weltelite der Strahlen-therapie mit schnellen Neutronen... ’ (The world elite of cancer therapy using fast neutrons…) were present.

Reactions were all positive

The impact from the reports from each centre and the clinical presentations was very significant demonstrating that fast neutrons are in use effectively and worldwide. A Dutch radiobiologist who had previously worked in Oxford observed that he had no idea that FNT was still alive, never mind thriving!
The Essen team was excellent and both the meeting itself and the skilful management of outcomes will effect a reinvigoration of FNT internationally.
The Workshop brought together many of the principal players in fast neutron therapy worldwide. Its success will be made the greater by effective post meeting follow-up and support.

Clinical highlights

The clinical day included very confident presentations from various centres on a number of tumour sites. Professor Forman from Detroit attracted much attention with key talks on the risk of second malignancy after mixed neutron/photon radiation (lower for mixed beams), the long-term results of neutron irradiation in prostate cancer (results of 5 clinical trials involving 1000 patients) and the presentation of preliminary results of a Combination of Fast Neutron Irradiation and Permanent Prostate Brachytherapy in Intermediate and Poor Prognosis Prostate Cancer : Expanded Results of a phase II Trial.

Other dimensions

The introduction of commercial considerations (Dr Thiele, a medical oncologist, from a consultancy advising German Public Health schemes) brought an important dimension to the discussions.
Heidelberg fielded a clinician to talk on carbon ions which tied in with the benefits they have in common with neutrons which have previously been discussed.
There is already progress on Quality Assurance (an important confidence building measure) with a French delegation from their standards organisation currently in Essen...