International study:
Secondary tumors after
radiation therapy
WPE scientist Prof. Dr. Lorenzo Brualla was involved in international collaboration and the preparation of the UNSCEAR publication.
Background
The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) has just published a report on the risk of so-called “second primary cancers” following radiation therapy. Annex A to the annual report to the UN General Assembly (“Second Primary Cancer After Radiotherapy”) summarizes and comprehensively evaluates the latest scientific findings.
Key findings
The central message of the report is that cancer patients should not be discouraged from undergoing radiation therapy solely because of concerns about a possible radiation-induced secondary tumor. In addition, the report emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment planning and long-term follow-up care for patients. It also recommends that the future development and design of radiation therapies should be specifically aimed at further reducing the risk of secondary tumors. This emphasizes that the life-saving benefits of radiation therapy must always be considered in balance with possible long-term risks.
International cooperation and WPE contribution
The report is the result of five years of intensive interdisciplinary research. An international team of experts in oncology, radiobiology, dosimetry, and epidemiology was involved in its preparation. Renowned scientists from Europe, North America, and Asia participated, working together to compile and evaluate a comprehensive scientific basis.
Prof. Dr. Lorenzo Brualla from the West German Proton Therapy Center Essen (WPE) made a significant contribution. His expertise in the field of dosimetry played a key role in the preparation of the report. Prof. Brualla’s research focuses on reducing unwanted radiation doses outside the actual treatment field. This goal is closely linked to the recommendations of UNSCEAR, as reducing the so-called “out-of-field” dose can minimize the risk of radiation-induced secondary tumors in the long term.
The publication represents an important milestone for international radiation therapy research. It provides a reliable scientific basis not only for physicians, but also for political decision-makers and patient groups. In this way, it contributes to further establishing radiation therapy as a safe and effective component of modern cancer treatment—while continuing to work on minimizing possible long-term effects.
Report
Den vollständigen Report zu den Ergebnissen finden Sie auf der Website von UNSCEAR:
About UNSCEAR
The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) was established in 1955 by the United Nations General Assembly.
It provides independent scientific assessments of the health and environmental effects of ionizing radiation, thereby forming a central basis for international radiation protection standards.
Contact at WPE
Scientific contact
Studies are an important part of our treatment concept. Only through continuous research and the resulting findings can we further optimize proton therapy for the treatment of patients.
Would you like to learn more about studies at the WPE? Then please contact us.
Patient treatment
All contact regarding patient treatment is handled by our case management team—the interface between you and our team.
Case management supports you with basic questions, compiling your documents, cost coverage, travel, and accommodation, and answers any questions you may have. It also establishes contact with our radiation therapists.