UZ Brussel and THERYQ
Announce Groundbreaking Partnership to Pioneer Belgium’s first FLASH radiotherapy-dedicated infrastructure.

UZ Brussel and THERYQ are proud to announce their collaboration to introduce FLASH radiotherapy (or Ultra-High Dose Rate UHDR) in Belgium, through the installation of the first FLASHKNiFE™ device at UZ Brussel. This pioneering initiative positions UZ Brussel as the first Belgian hospital, third worldwide, to implement FLASHKNiFE technology, marking a significant advancement in cancer treatment. This project was made possible through a grant provided by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen) large scale infrastructure.

FLASH radiotherapy is an innovative approach that delivers radiation at ultra-high dose rates (UHDR, >40 Gy/s) in a fraction of a second, enabling effective tumor control while significantly sparing healthy tissues compared to conventional radiotherapy. According to preclinical research, this technology could significantly shorten treatment times and deliver higher radiation doses to tumors without increasing toxicity. This advancement is particularly promising for approximately 30% of cancer patients who currently lack therapeutic alternatives due to tumor radioresistance.

The FLASHKNiFE device, developed by THERYQ—a leading French company specialized in particle accelerators and radiotherapy devices—is able to deliver electron beams at ultra-high dose rates (over 300 Gy/s). FLASHKNiFE is now installed in Gustave Roussy (Villejuif, France) and ULS Santa Maria (Lisbon, Portugal).

The collaboration between UZ Brussel and THERYQ aims to accelerate the translation of FLASH radiotherapy from research into clinical practice. The project will encompass extensive research across several key areas, including dosimetry, treatment planning, radiobiological studies and clinical implementation. This innovative research program will be conducted within the research center for digital medicine (REDM) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).

The FLASHKNiFE device is expected to be delivered in May 2025. UZ Brussel will participate in clinical research and development phases, initiating and contributing to International multicentric FLASH clinical studies.

Prof. Mark De Ridder, CEO and director of the Radiotherapy Department: “UZ Brussel is proud to introduce this groundbreaking technology to patients in Belgium in the near future, reaffirming our commitment to innovation, excellence and patient-centered care. With clinical FLASH radiotherapy, we continue our tradition of leadership in advanced cancer treatment, foster international collaboration, and reinforce Flanders’ role as hub in cutting-edge medical research. This milestone brings meaningful societal impact—improving outcomes, reducing treatment burden, and advancing cancer care for patients in Belgium and beyond.”

Prof. Thierry Gevaert, Deputy Head of Radiotherapy Department adds: “We are excited to be the center where this promising technology can be tested, refined, and translated from preclinical research to patient care. By bridging physics, dosimetry, and clinical application, we’re paving the way for the safe and effective use of FLASH radiotherapy. This device allows us to clinically validate a true technological breakthrough and aligns with our ongoing mission to reduce the treatment burden—minimizing hospital visits while maximizing impact for our patients.”

Nathalie Chadeau, Chief Scientific Officer, shares: “We are happy to collaborate with the UZ Brussel team on FLASH radiotherapy. Their strong expertise in bridging the gap from translational research to clinical applications with disruptive technologies promises significant benefits for patients”.

Note: FLASHKNiFE is not commercially available or cleared for sale. This device is intended exclusively for display or demonstration purposes and may not be made available as a medical device until it has been brought into conformity with the relevant regulations.