International School on Innovative Radiotherapy Techniques in Pavia
From September 16 to 20 2024 the National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO) hosted the second edition of the International School on Innovative Radiotherapy Techniques (ISIRT). This event, organized in collaboration with the Department of Physics at the University of Pavia, the Laboratory of Nuclear Energy and Applications (LENA) and the Pavia sectionof the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN) brought together graduate students interested in advanced oncological therapies, including hadron therapy Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) radionuclide therapy, and magnetic hyperthermia.
The main goal of ISIRT was to provide an in depth overview of the physical, biological, and medical principles underlying these innovative treatment techniques, with a focus on both their fundamental concepts and clinical applications.
The first day of the school covered introductory topics, while the second day, hosted at CNAO, was dedicated to hadron therapy Participants attended lectures on radiobiology, imaging, and clinical applications, delivered by leading experts in the field. On the third day, the focus shifted to BNCT, with sessions covering its basic principles as well as its physical, chemical, preclinical, and clinical aspects The fourth day explored the production of radioisotopes for medical use and delved into the key concepts of magnetic hyperthermia.
The final day featured a lecture on "FLASH therapy," an emerging technique involving ultra fast radiation dose delivery. This was followed by a discussion on the potential of applying BNCT to Alzheimer's disease, as well as presentations on the clinical uses of radionuclides.
The school concluded with a guided tour of LENA, where participants had the opportunity to visit the Triga Mark II" research reactor and other advanced research facilities, which was a highlight of the week for many.
Approximately 25 students from various countries attended the school, which was held in person with lectures delivered in English.
The event benefited from the expertise of both national and international specialists from institutions such as the University of Pavia, University of Pisa, Granada University, University Hospital Birmingham, Okayama University, and several research centers and clinical institutions, including CNAO, INFN, CNEA Argentina, CSIC Barcelona, CNR Florence, CHUV Lausanne, and Policlinico San Matteo.