The 50th Simeonideios Lecture took place from February 27 to 28 at Theagenio Cancer Hospital in Thessaloniki. The program serves as a platform for constructive and important exchange of knowledge and reflections around the topic of oncology.
Dr. Niko Papnikolaou, Professor of Medical Physics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, served as the main speaker of the event.
“In an era of rapid scientific and technological developments, the exchange of evidence-based knowledge constitutes a fudamental tool fro progress. We firmly believe that this meeting will substantially contribute to strengthening scientific dialogue and shaping a stable framework for future collaboartion.”
– Nikolaos Kritharidis, President of the Organizing Committee, Director at Theagenio Cancer Hospital.
The keynote lecture “Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT): Clinical Rationale, Implementation and Emerging Technologies” was delivered by Professor Nikos Papanikolaou, a leading expert in advanced radiotherapy technologies.
The event was organized under the leadership of Konstantina Boniou, MD, PhD, Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Theagenio Cancer Hospital and President of the Hellenic Cancer Research Society, who played a key role in coordinating the scientific program and inviting the distinguished speaker, contributing significantly to the success of this milestone event.
The next day of the event had different discussions with topics like “Holistic and Palliative Care“, “The New Generation in Research and Implementation of Cutting-Edge Technology” and “From Chemotherapy to Immunotharapy and Beyond“. After that on the same day the program concluded with a final meeting.
“During the 50th Simeonideios Lecture at Theagenio Cancer Hospital in Thessaloniki, the anniversary event marking 50 years of clinical contribution was enriched by a musical performance that highlighted the human dimension of oncology care.
The evening combined scientific reflection with emotional connection, as participants and audience members shared moments of warmth and unity. The strong response of the public reaffirmed the importance of culture and community within healthcare institutions, emphasizing that science and humanity remain inseparably linked in cancer care.”
“The 50th Simeonideios Lecture at Theagenio Cancer Hospital in Thessaloniki was held in memory of Professor Alexandros Simeonidis, marking an important milestone within the institution’s 50 years of clinical contribution.
The honored speaker, Dr. Niko Papanikolaou, Professor of Medical Physics at the University of Texas and affiliated with MD Anderson Cancer Center in San Antonio, presented insights into contemporary developments in radiation oncology and medical physics.
The commemorative session highlighted scientific progress, international collaboration, and the continued advancement of oncology care through education and research.”
“Dr. Niko Papanikolaou from Texas participated in the scientific meeting hosted by Theagenio Cancer Hospital in Thessaloniki. The event, organized in collaboration with the M.C.C. Macedonia Conference Center, brought together distinguished clinicians and researchers in oncology.
His presence reinforced the international dimension of the 50th Simeonideios Lecture and emphasized the importance of global collaboration in radiation oncology, medical physics, and cancer research.”
“The 50th Simeonideios Lecture at Theagenio Cancer Hospital took place in a full amphitheater, honoring the legacy of Professor Alexandros Simeonidis while fostering forward-looking scientific collaboration. The session underscored the importance of linking research with society and promoting interdisciplinary dialogue across oncology specialties.
Dr. Niko Papanikolaou’s presence as a distinguished speaker reinforced the international scope of the event and emphasized the ongoing evolution of cancer care through shared academic engagement and innovation.”
“The 50th Simeonideios Lecture at Theagenio Cancer Hospital in Thessaloniki was held with great success and substantial participation, honoring the memory of Professor Alexandros Simeonidis, visionary founder of the institution and a pioneer in oncologic research.
The session was attended by senior clergy, representatives of healthcare authorities, and local officials. Dr. Niko Papanikolaou, Professor of Radiation Oncology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, delivered a lecture on modern radiotherapy techniques and their clinical benefits for patients and health systems.
The event, held under the auspices of the Hellenic Anticancer Society, showcased the hospital’s 50 years of clinical contribution and reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to scientific progress and collaboration in cancer care.”
“The 50th Simeonideios Lecture at Theagenio Cancer Hospital in Thessaloniki, organized under the auspices of the Hellenic Anticancer Society – Thessaloniki Branch, brought together distinguished members of the oncology community and institutional representatives. The session honored Professor Alexandros Simeonidis, founder of the hospital and a pioneer in oncology research.
Dr. Niko Papanikolaou, Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, delivered insights on modern radiotherapy techniques and their benefits for patients and the healthcare system. The event underscored the importance of scientific collaboration and continued progress in cancer care.”
Hellenic Anticancer Society – Thessaloniki Branch:
“The 50th Simeonideios Lecture at Theagenio Cancer Hospital in Thessaloniki was successfully held with broad participation, honoring the memory of Professor Alexandros Simeonidis – visionary founder and pioneer in oncologic research. The session was organized under the auspices of the Hellenic Anticancer Society and welcomed representatives from healthcare authorities, local leadership, and community organizations.
Dr. Niko Papanikolaou, Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, delivered a lecture on modern radiotherapy techniques and their advantages for both cancer patients and healthcare systems. The commemorative event reaffirmed Theagenio’s 50-year legacy of clinical contribution, scientific collaboration, and commitment to advancing cancer care in Greece.”
“Honored to contribute to the Simeonidios Round Table celebrating 50 years of Theagenio Cancer Hospital.
I had the opportunity to present on modern palliative radiotherapy and its role in quality-of-life–driven cancer care – focusing on clinical effectiveness, prognosis-guided decision making, and treatment burden optimization.
It was a privilege to attend the honorary presence and lecture of Dr. Papanikolaou, whose international perspective added depth to the discussion.
My sincere thanks to the Hospital Administrator Nikolaos Kritharidis for his continuous support of academic initiatives, and to Dr. Konstantina Boniou President of Greek Cancer Research, for her commitment to advancing oncologic care and research.
Grateful to be part of a scientific community that continues to evolve – with precision, responsibility, and patient-centered focus.”
Niko Papanikolaou
Title: SBRT
Abstract:
“Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has become an essential treatment option across multiple disease sites, offering highly conformal, ablative radiation delivered in a limited number of fractions. This presentation provides a practical overview of SBRT for a multidisciplinary oncology audience, focusing on its clinical rationale, core technical principles, and real-world implementation.
Key SBRT fundamentals are reviewed, including definitions, radiobiologic implications of high dose per fraction, and the geometric precision required to safely treat small targets near critical organs. Program requirements and workflow elements—such as patient selection, simulation, treatment planning, quality assurance, and team coordination—are discussed in alignment with published guidelines.
Clinical applications are illustrated through site-specific examples in spine, lung, liver, pancreas, and prostate cancers. Emerging technologies are also explored, including advances in image guidance, adaptive treatment strategies, and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in contouring, planning, and workflow optimization. The overall objective is to provide a structured framework for the safe and effective implementation of SBRT within multidisciplinary cancer care.”
Written by Eftychia Tataridou
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