NEWS

This 7^th September marks the launch of World Radiotherapy Awareness Day (WRAD) – a new global initiative to shine a light on one of the most powerful tools we have against cancer.

Every year, millions of people around the world are treated with radiotherapy – a precise form of cancer treatment that uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells while protecting as much healthy tissue as possible. For half of all cancer patients, it is a vital part of care, helping them live longer and with a better quality of life.

But access to this life-saving treatment is still far from equal, and more research is needed to make it even safer and more effective. That is why EORTC is leading practice-changing international studies that change the way radiotherapy is delivered, so more patients, everywhere, can benefit.

“Radiation Oncology is a pillar of EORTC’s multidisciplinary clinical research agenda. E²-RADIatE, added to the historical and unique quality assurance programme in radiation oncology, has prompted an active agenda of forefront leading programmes, which are unique in Europe. With at least 50% of the patients being treated with radiation oncology at some point in the course of their disease, continuing multidisciplinary therapeutic progress remains a very high priority for EORTC and all its partners.”

Denis Lacombe, MD, EORTC CEO

One of EORTC’s flagship initiatives is E²-RADIatE (EORTC-ESTRO RADiotherapy InfrAstrucTure for Europe). This pan-European platform collects real-world treatment data, including scans, clinical details, and treatment plans, from cancer centres across Europe.

By analysing this information, researchers can better understand how radiotherapy works in everyday practice, identify ways to reduce side effects for patients, and guide future clinical studies. This means new knowledge can be turned into safer, more effective treatments for patients much faster.

With the support of EORTC’s longstanding partner The Boots Group, E²-RADIatE is paving the way for innovations that can reach patients faster.

The EORTC Radiation Oncology Scientific Council (ROSC) brings together leading experts to set research priorities and support the next generation of cancer researchers. ROSC also fosters collaboration across cancer types, ensuring that radiotherapy advances benefit as many patients as possible. In September 2025, Dr. Joost Verhoeff succeeded Professor Piet Ost as Chair, continuing this mission of excellence. This leadership helps ensure that promising new ideas can become real solutions for people facing cancer.

More information on the ROSC can be found here.

Radiotherapy only works if it’s delivered precisely and consistently. For over 40 years, the Radiotherapy Quality Assurance (RTQA) programme has set high standards across all EORTC trials, checking every step from treatment plans to real-world delivery. This meticulous approach not only ensures reliable trial results but also improves care for patients in hospitals worldwide. In other words, patients can be confident they are receiving the right treatment in the right way, wherever they are treated.

A vital aspect of the EORTC’s enduring impact is its commitment to nurturing the next generation of cancer researchers through comprehensive fellowship programmes, like the one undertaken by Volha Hertsyk in Radiotherapy Quality Assurance (RTQA).

Listen to Volha and other fellows talk about EORTC Fellowship.

Beyond these foundational pillars, EORTC radiotherapy studies address all types of cancers including rare cancers and complex treatment challenges, such as:

• PRIMALung – comparing preventive brain radiation to active monitoring (MRI alone) in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
• SPRINT – testing shorter, single-session radiotherapy for patients with limited spread (oligometastases) in primary breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers.
• OligoRARE – studying radiotherapy for rare cancers with limited spread.
• LEGATO – exploring combined chemo-radiation for aggressive brain tumours (glioblastoma).
• PEGASUS – advancing treatment in patients with very high-risk localised or locally advanced prostate cancer.

Each of these projects is more than a study, it’s a step toward giving patients better outcomes, fewer side effects, and more time with the people they love.

On this World Radiotherapy Awareness Day, we celebrate the dedication of researchers, clinicians, patients, and partners working together to push the boundaries of cancer treatment. Through innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision, we move closer to a future where every patient can access safe, effective, and life-changing radiotherapy.

With your support, we can keep driving this progress, so no one facing cancer is left behind.

You can also help support EORTC’s game-changing clinical research to unleash scientific breakthrough and transform cancer patients’ lives. Learn how to GET INVOLVED, or Make a Contribution Now.