Modern radiation therapy – effective and gentle
What is radiation therapy? How will I be treated? What are the effects or side effects of the treatment? – These and many other questions concern people who must undergo radiation therapy. It is a particular priority for my colleagues, staff, and me personally to explain the procedures before, during, and after radiation therapy to our patients and their families, as well as to colleagues from other disciplines—through detailed, personal conversations and also through this information. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with us about them. Because it is very important to everyone on the team that our patients and their families receive not only the best possible medical care but also our full human support. The mission of a university hospital is to provide excellent patient care, push the boundaries of science, and share knowledge. Thus, our hospital’s concept is based on three pillars: patient care, research, and teaching. On the following pages, patients, family members, physicians, researchers, and students will find information about all these areas.
Yours,
Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. mult. Anca-L. Grosu, FACR
Medical Director
_________
News
April 18, 2026 - Patient Information Day: Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
The Medical Center – University of Freiburg invites you to its Patient Information Day on “Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer” on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Patients, family members, and anyone interested can visit the Department of Radiation Oncology to learn about important aspects of treatment and support during therapy. The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert-Koch-Str. 3 in Freiburg. Participation is free of charge; registration is not required.
November 2025 - Honorary Doctorate for Freiburg Radiation Therapist
The University of Cluj-Napoca honors Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Anca-L. Grosu for her pioneering work in radiation oncology
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Anca-L. Grosu, Medical Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, was awarded an honorary doctorate—Doctor honoris causa—by the “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, in early November 2025. The university is thereby honoring her outstanding scientific contributions to the clinical application of biological imaging in radiation therapy, as well as her commitment to international collaboration in research and teaching.
“This award is a special honor for me because it ties back to my academic beginnings in Cluj-Napoca,” says Grosu. “It encourages me to continue working on innovative approaches that benefit patients worldwide.”
October 2025 – Leopoldina Symposium on Technology and AI in Medicine
Medical technology saves lives—every day. On October 11, 2025, experts from the fields of medicine, science, politics, law, industry, and patient advocacy gathered at a symposium hosted by the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in Halle (Saale) to discuss the significant impact that technological advancements already have today, as well as how to facilitate innovation and remove barriers to patient access. Key topics included the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence (AI) and bureaucratic obstacles in the research and development of medical technology. The event was organized by Prof. Dr. Anca-L. Grosu, Medical Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg and Senator of the Academy, together with Prof. Dr. Maximilian Reiser, Deputy Senator and former Director of Radiology at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
September 2025 – Honorary membership for Prof. Dr. Grosu in the Swiss Society of Radiation Oncology (SASRO)
Prof. Dr. Anca-L. Grosu, Medical Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, was named an honorary member of the Swiss Society for Radiation Oncology (SASRO) in September 2025.
With this honor, the professional society recognizes her longstanding scientific contributions to radiation oncology as well as her exceptional commitment to international collaboration and professional exchange within the German-speaking world. Honorary membership represents one of the society’s highest honors.
The honorary membership honors the long-standing scientific work of the Freiburg Department of Radiation Oncology as well as its active role in international professional exchange.
July 2025 - Newly elected President of the European Federation of Medical Physics (EFOMP)
Prof. Dr. Dimos Baltas, Head of the Department of Medical Physics at the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, was elected at the end of July 2025 as the future president of the European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics (EFOMP). He will assume the office of Vice President on January 1, 2026, initially for one year, before taking over the presidency of EFOMP in 2027 for a further three years. His extensive experience in scientific expert committees, his commitment, and his network at the European level were recognized through his election to this top position at EFOMP.
July 2025 - Freiburg radiation oncologist receives honorary doctorate
In recognition of her outstanding scientific achievements in the field of radiation oncology, Prof. Anca-Ligia Grosu, MD, FACR, Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest—one of Romania’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions.
July 2025 – Prof. Dr. Anca-L. Grosu Named President-elect of the German Society for Radiation Oncology
Prof. Dr. Anca-L. Grosu, FACR, Medical Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, was elected President-elect and First Vice President at the 31st Congress of the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) in Dresden. The term of office is two years. Following this, Grosu will assume the presidency for two years. DEGRO is the leading scientific society for radiation therapy and radiation oncology in the German-speaking world. Its work contributes to the further development of modern, interdisciplinary therapeutic approaches that directly benefit patients.
“DEGRO is an important forum for all professional groups involved in radiation therapy—from medical research to clinical application,” says Grosu. “I am very pleased to have the opportunity, as President-elect, to help shape the future of radiation oncology together with colleagues from medicine, physics, biology, and nursing care.”
October 2025 - U.S. honor for Freiburg radiation therapist
Dr. Andreas Rimner, Deputy Medical Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology and Scientific Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg - CCCF at the Uniklinik Freiburg, was named a Fellow (FASTRO) by the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) in June. The award recognizes his decades of dedication, his leadership roles at ASTRO, and his scientific contributions to radiation oncology. It was presented in October 2025 in San Francisco, USA.
November 2024 - The Uniklinik Freiburg at the WEF in Davos
Prof. Dr. Anca-Linga Grosu, Medical Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Uniklinik Freiburg, spoke at this year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) about the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine. She noted that AI is opening up new possibilities for personalized radiation therapy, particularly in radiation oncology, radiology, and nuclear medicine.
But progress requires data. “It is crucial to involve patients. An open dialogue about the importance of health data can foster understanding and support for research,” said Grosu.
The WEF brings together leading figures from business, politics, and science in Davos each year to discuss global challenges
November 2024 - Groundbreaking ceremony for the Technology Innovation Lab
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Technology Innovation Laboratory (TIL) took place on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg. This project is the centerpiece of a strategic partnership between the Faculty of Medicine – University of Freiburg, the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, and Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company. Together, the partners aim to shape the future of radiation therapy and develop innovative treatment methods for patients.
November 2024 – First treatments with an mRNA vaccine against aggressive brain tumors at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg
In the Clinical Research Section of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, two patients were treated for the first time with an experimental mRNA vaccine against glioblastoma. This type of brain tumor is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and poses a particular challenge for modern medicine.
November 2024 - Patient Information Day: Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
On November 16, 2024, the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg hosted a patient information day on the topic of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Our experts presented modern, high-precision radiation techniques as well as personalized treatment plans based on the latest scientific findings. In addition to in-depth expert presentations, the event focused particularly on personal interaction. Numerous patients and their families took the opportunity to learn more and speak directly with our team.
A cancer diagnosis raises many questions. Our digital information resources on prostate cancer provide you with scientifically sound information from the Uniklinik Freiburg on prostate cancer and radiation therapy. We welcome your feedback.
Photo: T. Rothe
September 2024 - The world's most advanced linear accelerators for more precise cancer treatment
Since the end of July 2024, the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg has been the first in Germany to put two state-of-the-art linear accelerators into clinical use. Patients benefit from this in several ways: Computed tomography (CT) imaging, supported by innovative detector technology, provides high-resolution 3D images within seconds before each treatment session. Based on this and supported by artificial intelligence, the radiation plan can be adjusted with millimeter precision in just a few minutes—and thus on a daily basis.
July 2024 - Symposium: Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
On July 19 and 20, 2024, the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg hosted the international symposium “Radiation Therapy in Prostate Cancer.” Renowned experts discussed current developments, innovative radiation techniques, and personalized treatment strategies for prostate cancer. The focus was on modern image-guided procedures, interdisciplinary concepts, and the further development of precision medicine approaches. The symposium provided a high-profile platform for scientific exchange and underscored our clinic’s active role in advancing radiation therapy care.
December 2023 - Freiburg radiation oncologist appointed senator of the Leopoldina
Prof. Dr. Anca-L. Grosu was elected as a senator of the Section of Radiology (Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Oncology, and Medical Physics) by the members of the National Academy of Sciences – Leopoldina. Grosu is the Medical Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg and a member of the Faculty of Medicine – University of Freiburg. Her four-year term begins on January 3, 2024. The Leopoldina, one of the oldest science academies in the world, consists of 28 sections, each led by a senator elected by the members.
“I am honored to represent radiology in this role and will work to promote scientific excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Grosu. Grosu’s appointment underscores her outstanding standing in the scientific community and her commitment to diagnostic and therapeutic radiology. As a senator, she will provide important impetus for research and practice in this field. Her expertise and dedication are of great significance for the further development of medical sciences.
June 2023 – ARO Research Award for Dr. Simon Spohn
Dr. Simon Spohn, a specialist at the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, was awarded the ARO Research Prize in 2023. The award was presented during the annual meeting of the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO).
With the ARO Research Award, the Working Group on Radiation Oncology recognizes outstanding scientific work in the field of clinical and translational radiation oncology. Dr. Spohn was honored for his groundbreaking contributions to the further development of evidence-based treatment strategies in modern radiation therapy. The award ceremony underscores the high level of scientific expertise in Freiburg’s radiation oncology department and its ongoing commitment to innovative, patient-centered research.
April 2022 - Professor Anca-L. Grosu is an honorary member of the American College of Radiology (ACR), Washington, D.C.
During the annual meeting of the American College of Radiology (ACR), held April 24–26, 2022, in Washington, D.C., Prof. Dr. Anca-L. Grosu, Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, was recognized as an Honorary Fellow of the College during the opening ceremony. In her laudatory speech, ACR President Prof. Beverly G. Coleman praised Prof. Grosu’s contributions to the development of high-precision radiation therapy through the use of advanced imaging for radiation therapy planning and monitoring, with a view to achieving optimally personalized, effective, and minimally invasive treatment.
August 2018 – Prof. Dr. Anca-L. Grosu is a member of the prestigious German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
In July, the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina elected Freiburg-based radiation oncologist Prof. Dr. Anca-L. Grosu as a new member. This election is considered one of the highest honors for scientists.