Gentle radiotherapy

Purpose and goal

The project Gentle Radiotherapy targets a paradigm shift, from a population-based to individualized radiotherapy process. During the initiation period, the focus has been two aspects - forming and coordinating a strong consortium, with an efficient project management model, in order to do this on a nationally coordinated level, and the identification and packaging of the necessary development components to implement this. With strong actors from industry, academia and clinical treatment facilities, the project will establish Sweden as the world leader in radiotherapy.

Results and expected effects

During the initial phase a strong consortium, containing university hospitals and market leaders as well as research-driven SME´s, has been established. Critical components for development have been identified and structured with a view to the radiotherapy process centered on MRI as the primary source of imaging. Upon completion, the project´s collaborative components, with an innovative technology and methodology, together with clinical protocols, will contribute to establishing a national platform for world leading radiotherapy with MRI as the principal imaging modality.

Approach and implementation

The project is coordinated by the Västerbotten County Council, with representation from almost all university hospitals, as well as technology providers, for example Siemens, Rayseach & Elekta. The project is coordinated to carry out development activities that would be difficult to implement in a reasonable timeframe for the project partners separately, but make viable goals with a nationally coordinated effort. The project´s operational management has representation from Umeå in the north to Lund in the south where both industry and public organizations have important roles.