Interview with Ester Hammond
Chair of the ESTRO 2023 Radiobiology Track
Which topics received the largest number of abstracts?
This year, at the European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology Congress 2023 (ESTRO 2023), we have divided the radiobiology track into four topics: the microenvironment, and immuno-, normal tissue and tumour radiobiology. However, the topics clearly overlap to a high degree. Of the 108 abstracts we received, the topic of close to half (44%) was tumour radiobiology. From the selected abstracts, we have put together a diverse and exciting programme that involves short talks, mini-oral sessions and poster presentations.
Can you highlight any emerging or innovative trends in research?
A strength of the radiobiology track is the emphasis on mechanism-focused studies and the use of appropriate models. An emerging theme in this year’s selections is how important it is to gain knowledge of the mechanism of cell death and, specifically, how reactive oxygen species and redox balance impact it. This topic is supported by a teaching lecture that is focused on ferroptosis. In addition, numerous presentations will focus on the mechanism of action of bodily systems that we are used to hearing about but have yet fully to understand or to realise the potential of clinically; for example, the abscopal effect. Furthermore, studies that are focused on the impact of the microbiome and diet and how they contribute to radiation response continue to build in numbers and will feature in most of the radiobiology sessions.
Why should radiobiologists not miss ESTRO 2023?
The congress offers radiobiologists the ideal opportunity to hear and learn about the challenges that we are uniquely placed to address. Within the radiobiology track, you will be exposed to hypothesis-focused research and the scientific approach, methods and models that are required to perform such research. If you attend presentations in the other tracks, you will be exposed to the problems, clinical and technological, that must be solved. Collaboration across tracks is essential if we are to achieve our shared goal of improving radiotherapy response and outcome for cancer patients, and ESTRO 2023 offers a perfect environment in which to interact.
Ester Hammond
Chair of the ESTRO 2023 Radiobiology Track
ESTR0 2023 Early registration deadline: 22 February 2023
ESTRO members benefit from an extra discount.