Innovations and research in radiotherapy in France [Innovations et recherche en radiothérapie en France]

摘要

Significant advances in radiation therapy have recently been observed. Important technological advances allow for greater precision in defining target volumes and organs at risk, which will certainly impact the risk/benefit ratio for cancer care, particularly in the new setting of therapeutic associations using new drugs. Despite the major role of radiation therapy in the multidisciplinary management of several cancers, pharmaceutical industry support for radiation therapy trials that do not involve drugs remains nil. Thus, grant applications for radiotherapy studies are mainly oriented towards institutional clinical research. At the same time, research in radiation therapy has changed considerably. In France, since the beginning of the year 2000, the Cancer Institute (INCa) has considered radiation oncology modernisation as one of the health priorities. In their programs, substantial grants have been allocated to the evaluation of innovative techniques, including financial issues and their potential generalisation throughout the country. Funding for clinical research programs has also been allocated to significant projects that will impact future clinical practice. In this article, we aim to describe the various plans for restructuring radiation therapy in France, and make an inventory of the innovative projects in clinical and technology research that involve public and private institutions.