1st BHTC (Belgian Hadrontherapy Centre) in vitro Workshop

The aim of the Feasibility Study for a Hadron Centre ordered by the Federal Office of Health and Social Affairs is to investigate whether a Hadron Centre would meet clinical and social needs in Belgium. The technology required for Hadron therapy, especially using carbon nuclei, is still in a demonstration phase. Only a few pilot centres worldwide are in operation. Similar considerations hold for the clinical applications: a few are proven through the experience of foreign centres; others can be expected based on physical characteristics of hadron beams and their interactions with matter, on extrapolations of clinical knowledge, or on deductions from fundamental radiobiological research. It is this last point which is the main subject of this workshop. Radiobiological research, mainly through in-vitro studies or animal models, adds essential elements to the understanding of the processes that may ultimately lead to new science-based clinical applications. This workshop will be the first of a series and give rise to long lasting and fruitful collaborations between the participants and participating centres.