AI-Powered Radiotherapy: A Recent Era in Cancer Treatment
A technological revolution is underway at the Henri Becquerel Cancer Centre in Rouen, France. On January 29, 2026, the centre administered its first adaptive radiotherapy treatment, utilizing artificial intelligence, to a patient battling prostate cancer. The goal: to precisely destroy cancer cells whereas safeguarding healthy tissue.
The Challenge of Traditional Radiotherapy
Conventional radiotherapy planning relies on initial scans to map out the treatment area. Yet, the human body is dynamic. Even slight changes – like variations in bladder volume – can shift the position of a tumor by millimeters. To account for these uncertainties, clinicians traditionally add a safety margin of around 7mm around the targeted area.
“This guarantees the cancer will be irradiated, but it also exposes neighboring tissues to more radiation,” explains Maximilien Rogé, an oncologist at the Henri Becquerel Centre. This exposure can lead to urinary or digestive issues, sometimes chronic or irreversible.
Adaptive Radiotherapy: Precision in Real-Time
Adaptive radiotherapy, enabled by technology like the Ethos machine, addresses this challenge. Ethos uses AI to recalculate the radiation trajectory in real-time, adapting the treatment to the patient’s anatomy at the moment of delivery.
“Without this tool, it would grab hours of work to obtain such data. This is not feasible in a standard care pathway,” Rogé notes. The AI accelerates this process, but remains under the supervision of medical professionals. “The AI has no arbitrary role,” he emphasizes. “It speeds up a procedure we couldn’t do with human time alone, but it doesn’t replace doctors who verify and oversee the process.”
Beyond Prostate Cancer: Expanding Applications
Currently, only one patient in Rouen is receiving this adaptive treatment, with a second scheduled to begin. The centre is proceeding cautiously, “taking the time to get acquainted with the technology.” Patient suitability is also a factor, requiring a favorable urinary profile, as the treatment session now takes 20 minutes compared to 5 minutes previously.
The team hopes to extend the technique to other pelvic cancers, such as bladder and uterine cancers, and potentially to head and neck cancers, where anatomy also changes during treatment. “Ideally, all radiotherapies would be adapted daily, whereas that’s not for today,” says Dr. Rogé.
The Future of AI in Oncology: Trends to Watch
The implementation of AI in radiotherapy at the Henri Becquerel Centre signals a broader trend: the integration of artificial intelligence across the oncology landscape. Several key developments are shaping this future:
Personalized Treatment Plans
AI algorithms are increasingly capable of analyzing vast datasets – including genomic information, medical imaging, and patient history – to create highly personalized treatment plans. This moves beyond a “one-size-fits-all” approach to cancer care.
Improved Diagnostic Accuracy
AI-powered image analysis tools are assisting radiologists in detecting subtle anomalies in scans, leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses. This is particularly crucial for cancers where early detection significantly improves outcomes.
Predictive Analytics for Treatment Response
Machine learning models can predict how a patient is likely to respond to a specific treatment, allowing clinicians to proactively adjust the plan if necessary. This minimizes ineffective treatments and maximizes the chances of success.
Automated Workflow Optimization
AI is streamlining administrative tasks and optimizing workflows within cancer centres, freeing up clinicians to focus on patient care. This includes automating appointment scheduling, managing patient records, and processing insurance claims.
Investment and Collaboration
The adoption of these technologies requires significant investment. The Ethos machine at Henri Becquerel cost €4.5 million. However, centres like Henri Becquerel are part of a federation of cancer centres in France, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. This collaborative approach accelerates innovation and ensures that advancements are disseminated across the country.
FAQ
Q: What is adaptive radiotherapy?
A: Adaptive radiotherapy uses AI to adjust radiation treatment in real-time, based on changes in the patient’s anatomy.
Q: What are the benefits of adaptive radiotherapy?
A: It allows for more precise targeting of cancer cells, potentially reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes.
Q: Is AI replacing doctors?
A: No. AI assists doctors by accelerating processes and providing data-driven insights, but medical professionals remain responsible for verifying and overseeing treatment plans.
Q: Which cancers will benefit from this technology?
A: Initially prostate cancer, but the technology is expected to be expanded to other pelvic and potentially head and neck cancers.
Did you know? The Henri Becquerel Centre is one of nineteen cancer centres in France collaborating to share innovations in cancer treatment.
Pro Tip: Early detection is crucial for successful cancer treatment. Regular check-ups and screenings are essential.
Learn more about cancer prevention and treatment options by exploring resources from the National Cancer Institute.
Have questions about cancer treatment or the role of AI in oncology? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
