AI-Powered Radiotherapy Offers New Hope for Prostate Cancer Patients in Rouen
A groundbreaking treatment utilizing artificial intelligence to personalize and optimize radiotherapy is now being used at the Henri-Becquerel center in Rouen, France, offering a more effective and less invasive approach to prostate cancer treatment.
Rouen, France – In a significant advancement for cancer care, the Henri-Becquerel center began employing “on-line adaptive radiotherapy” in late January 2026, marking the first time this innovative technology has been used to treat a patient with prostate cancer. The treatment leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance precision and efficiency while minimizing discomfort for patients. This milestone represents a crucial step forward in the ongoing fight against cancer, signaling a future where AI plays an increasingly vital role in personalized medicine.
The Evolution of Radiotherapy: From Static Plans to Dynamic Adjustments
Traditionally, radiotherapy treatment plans – encompassing the number of sessions and the precise area targeted – were established only once, following an initial diagnosis. “Planning is a long calculation, which can take between 1 and 4 days,” explained a leading physician at the Henri-Becquerel center. This static approach, while effective, didn’t account for the natural shifts and movements within the body that occur during treatment.
The new system, however, recalculates the treatment plan every day. While the core technology – the particle accelerator – remains the same, it is now integrated with advanced imaging and AI capabilities. This allows the equipment to recalculate and readjust the treatment in approximately twenty minutes per session, resulting in a more efficient and precise application of radiation.
Precision Targeting: Reducing Dose, Maximizing Impact
This daily recalibration allows clinicians to more accurately target the affected organ, increasing treatment effectiveness while simultaneously reducing the radiation dose delivered. “Some organs, like the prostate, are mobile, meaning they can move within the body from one treatment to another. When we carry out radiotherapy treatment, it is down to the millimeter,” a senior oncologist stated.
The innovative process minimizes the irradiated area, safeguarding nearby healthy organs. “Next to the prostate, there are the bladder and the rectum. This is why we started with this type of cancer,” the oncologist explained, highlighting the sensitivity of the surrounding anatomy. “We are much more precise. In addition to being more effective, this treatment also reduces side effects on patients. It’s a win-win.”
A Collective Effort and Future Expansion
The implementation of this technology was a collaborative undertaking, involving a diverse team of professionals over the course of a year. “It is a collective project which has been underway for a year and which brings together different professions,” noted a department head at the center.
While currently a specialized treatment not suitable for all patients or cancer types, plans are underway to expand its application. Additional prostate cancer patients will be included, and research is actively exploring its potential in the ENT (ear, nose, and throat) field. The Henri Becquerel center is currently one of the few facilities in France equipped with this cutting-edge technology, representing an investment of nearly 4 million euros.
Faced with a rising number of cancer cases – with 2,700 patients undergoing radiotherapy annually at the Henri-Becquerel center and numbers continuing to climb – innovation, research, and artificial intelligence are proving to be essential tools in the ongoing battle against cancer.
