Awareness and Collaboration in Brachytherapy Across Europe and Beyond

Introduction

The group that considers health economics in radiation oncology (HERO), related to brachytherapy (the Brachy-HERO group), continues to lead advancements in brachytherapy through collaborative scientific efforts, educational initiatives, and advocacy. The last year has been marked by a series of impactful activities, including comprehensive surveys, high-profile presentations, major awareness events, and the initiation of projects poised to shape the future of brachytherapy in Europe and worldwide. This report provides an overview of recent achievements and ongoing initiatives, and highlights our group’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

Major Surveys: Mapping the Landscape of Brachytherapy in Europe

In early 2024, the Brachy-HERO group spearheaded two large-scale surveys that were designed to capture a detailed snapshot of the current status and prevailing practices of brachytherapy across Europe. These surveys, developed in close consultation with leading experts and representative societies, gathered data from a wide range of institutions, clinicians, and healthcare professionals.

Both surveys were met with enthusiastic responses, which resulted in an exceptional dataset that underpins our strategic recommendations. The findings have been instrumental in guiding future advocacy and education efforts, and in ensuring that the voice of the brachytherapy community is heard in ongoing policy discussions.

Presentation and Publication of Results: ESTRO 2024 and Beyond

The results of these significant surveys were presented during the ESTRO 2024 Congress in Glasgow, UK, and drew substantial attention from clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. The presentation session fostered vibrant discussions, with participants exchanging perspectives on key challenges, opportunities for growth, and the transformative potential of brachytherapy.

Subsequent to the congress, the full results of the surveys were published in a peer-reviewed format and are now accessible via PubMed. This publication ensures that the data and insights generated by the Brachy-HERO group contribute to the global knowledge base and, therefore, facilitate further research and innovation in the field.

Panel Discussion: Promoting Brachytherapy for the Future

During ESTRO 2025, Peter Niehoff, as chair of the Brachy-HERO group, organised and moderated a high-profile panel discussion that addressed the promotion and widened recognition of brachytherapy. The panel brought together representatives from GEC-ESTRO, young ESTRO, the ESTRO Board, and patient advocacy groups, creating a unique forum for multi-stakeholder exchange.

Key themes included what strategies could be used to raise awareness of brachytherapy among clinicians, patients, and the public; how to integrate brachytherapy into comprehensive cancer care; and ways to foster international collaboration. The discussion highlighted the need for unified messaging, active engagement with healthcare decision-makers, and robust evidence that supported the use of brachytherapy as a valuable technique.

Brachytherapy Awareness Day: Uniting the Globe

A major highlight of the year was the launch and co-organisation of the first Brachytherapy Awareness Day, held on 17 July 2025. This event was realised in close partnership with professional societies from regions that included Europe, North America and Asia, reflecting the truly global scope of the initiative.

The day featured a series of coordinated activities, including press releases and social media campaigns. The overwhelming participation and positive feedback from clinicians, patients, and the general public made this awareness day an outstanding success. Not only did the event elevate the profile of brachytherapy as a critical component of modern cancer care, but it also laid the foundation for ongoing multinational collaboration.

Ongoing and Upcoming Projects

The Brachy-HERO group is deeply engaged in several ambitious projects that are designed to address emerging needs and knowledge gaps in the field of brachytherapy.

European Reimbursement Survey

A cornerstone project currently underway is a pan-European survey on reimbursement practices for brachytherapy. Conducted in cooperation with the gynaecological group of GEC-ESTRO, this survey employs a model treatment approach to capture the nuances of how brachytherapy is funded and supported across different healthcare systems. The results are expected to serve as the basis for advocacy efforts that are intended to ensure equitable and sustainable access to brachytherapy for all patients.

Patient Knowledge Survey

Recognising the importance of patient empowerment, the Brachy-HERO group has partnered with Cancer Patient Europe in the launch of a cross-sectional survey that is designed to investigate what patients know about brachytherapy. The aim is to identify gaps in information, common misconceptions, and unmet needs—insights that will inform the design of patient-centred educational materials and outreach campaigns.

Looking Ahead: ESTRO 2026 and Strategic Perspectives

With the groundwork laid by the recent surveys, panel discussions, and awareness campaigns, the Brachy-HERO group is looking forward to an even more dynamic presence at ESTRO 2026. Plans include delivery of follow-up research updates, hosting educational sessions for both professionals and patients, and expanding the reach of Brachytherapy Awareness Day. Key to these efforts will be the ongoing commitment to evidence-based practice, inclusivity, and innovation.

Conclusion

The achievements and ongoing projects of the Brachy-HERO group show what can be accomplished through dedication, collaboration, and a clear vision for the future. By conducting impactful research, engaging diverse stakeholders, and championing the cause of brachytherapy, the group continues to shape the future of cancer care. The Brachy-HERO group invites all members of the ESTRO community to join in these efforts and hence to advance brachytherapy together for the benefit of patients worldwide.

 

Peter Niehoff

on behalf of the Brachy-HERO group

Sana Klinikum Offenbach, Germany