On March 12 and 13, 2026, a workshop dedicated to advanced radiation therapy and new diagnostic techniques in oncology was held at the CNR Research Area in Pisa, organized as part of the PNRR Tuscany Health Ecosystem (THE) – Spoke 1 project.
Two intensive days featuring 35 presentations by international experts and project leaders who outlined the latest findings in the field and highlighted the progress made by the project over the past three years, demonstrating how basic research, translational medicine, and technology can converge to revolutionize cancer care.
Presentations by national and international guests on the first day provided an updated overview of international research on all multidisciplinary aspects of the project. Of particular note were the presentations by experts in clinical hospital radiotherapy, followed by presentations from researchers at European universities and research centers such as the European ELI-ERIC infrastructure, who focused on radiobiological studies and technologies, including the latest laser technologies.
The second day was devoted entirely to a detailed review of all activities within the THE-Spoke 1 project, featuring presentations by researchers from the eight subprojects who outlined the main results and their scientific, technological, and clinical-translational impact.
A Step Toward Clinical FLASH Radiotherapy
One of the most important findings concerns FLASH radiotherapy, a technique that uses radiation beams delivered in extremely short bursts. Studies have confirmed that, at ultra-high dose rates, healthy tissues appear to be better protected than tumor tissues: this is the so-called FLASH effect.
Thanks to the work of the THE project, we are now ready to take the next step: 
a clinical trial is being prepared at the Pisa University Hospital.
If the results confirm what has been observed in the laboratory, radiation therapy could become more effective, faster, and potentially less expensive.
A new “made in Pisa” theranostic radiopharmaceutical
The workshop also presented another important development: The CNR Pharmaceutical Laboratory in Pisa, in collaboration with Curium Pharma, has begun the production and commercialization of a new theranostic radiopharmaceutical—one that can be used both to diagnose and treat cancer, combining precision and personalized care.
Three years of preclinical research that are breaking new ground
Behind these results lies a tremendous team effort. For over three years, researchers have conducted preclinical studies to thoroughly understand the mechanisms of the FLASH effect, developed a system for the intelligent cataloging and classification of preclinical results, and refined precision dosimetry methods capable of controlling and measuring such intense radiation beams. These activities were made possible in part by the infrastructure of the Pisa FLASH Radiotherapy Center, a national leader in this field.
Compact laser-based accelerators: a technological revolution
Beyond clinical applications: the THE project has also made a decisive contribution to the development of new technologies for generating particle beams and to their dosimetric and preclinical validation. After more than twenty years of pioneering research on ultra-high-intensity lasers and plasmas, the CNR’s ILIL Laboratory in Pisa has laid the groundwork for: new compact medical accelerators, much smaller and potentially more cost-effective than traditional ones.
This know-how, combined with the project’s technology transfer activities and the preparation of regulatory and legislative aspects, has led to the creation of the startup, the upcoming CNR spin-off “AUKELOS.”
The goal?
To build the first hospital machine based entirely on optical technologies, capable of generating high-energy electron beams for radiation therapy. A step that could revolutionize access to care, bringing these technologies to more hospitals.
The Strength of the Tuscan Ecosystem
Underpinning these results is a solid collaborative network comprising:
• CNR (coordinator of Spoke 1)
• University of Pisa
• University of Florence
• INFN – National Institute of Nuclear Physics
• A vast network of companies, research centers, and universities located throughout Italy.
A working model that demonstrates how the integration of scientific research, technological innovation, and the clinical world can generate concrete results and open new avenues for cancer treatment.
