What key themes have emerged from the radiobiology abstracts this year?

This year's abstracts are primarily centred on predictors of response and toxicity. There’s been a strong focus on strategies to prevent radiation-induced toxicity, alongside growing interest in ways to modify the tumour microenvironment to amplify the effectiveness of radiation therapy. Additionally, FLASH radiotherapy remains a particularly dynamic and promising area of research.

Are groundbreaking research areas or techniques highlighted?

The abstracts highlight an increasing use of 3D models. Moreover, many studies utilise multiomics analysis techniques.

Why is it critical for radiobiologists to participate in ESTRO 2025 and how can it benefit their research and collaborations?

ESTRO congresses provide unparalleled opportunities to bring together researchers from all fields involved in radiotherapy treatments. Unlike other meetings that focus on basic, preclinical, or translational research, the ESTRO congress offers a unique chance to engage closely with all key specialists in radiotherapy – clinicians, physicists, and technicians – to foster meaningful exchanges and collaborations. It's an excellent platform that enables attendees to stay up-to-date with the latest technological advances and emerging trends that can drive new biological research. The radiotherapy community as a whole benefits from five days of close interaction, during which participants can connect, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration for future research and essential collaborations.

How does the radiobiology track contribute to bridging basic science and clinical practice?

Radiobiology serves as the cornerstone of radiotherapy, and the advancement of radiobiological knowledge is just as crucial as technological innovation in enhancing clinical practice. The radiobiology track is intended to provide the ESTRO community with valuable insights into the latest biological innovations, which are increasingly being integrated into clinical practice and leading to modification of certain aspects. Many of the sessions are structured to bring together experts from different specialties, to offer multidisciplinary perspectives. Additionally, the ample opportunities for discussion and exchange will enable participants to become familiar with the latest biological advancements, which are relevant to all professional groups involved in radiotherapy.

What aspect of this year’s radiobiology track do you believe will resonate most with attendees?

This year, the radiobiology track will focus on the personalisation of treatment and the differential effect between tumours and healthy tissues. Key sessions will cover topics such as therapy that shapes the tumour microenvironment, novel strategies to modulate the DNA damage response, the role of artificial intelligence in patient stratification and treatment decision-making, and the clinical translation of the FLASH effect.

Attendees at the pre-meeting course will have the opportunity to gain in-depth insights into the development and applications of predictive molecular signatures.

An engaging symposium will focus on the radiobiology of radionuclides, some of which differ from that caused by external beam radiotherapy. With the advent of new theranostic strategies, a deeper understanding of the combined effects of radionuclide therapy and external beam radiotherapy has become even more important.

Finally, the interdisciplinary track will feature insightful sessions on chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, spatially fractionated radiotherapy and modelling, hence highlighting the importance of integrating diverse approaches in radiotherapy innovation.

 

Monica Mangoni, MD PhD

Chair of the ESTRO 2025 Radiobiology Track​

 

Late Registration deadline: 2 april 2025

ESTRO members benefit from an extra discount