PTCOG-AO 2026 in Chennai: A Great Success and a New Chapter for Particle Therapy in Asia-Oceania
Message from the President Tatsuya Ohno
The 6th Annual Conference of the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group Asia-Oceania (PTCOG-AO 2026) was successfully held in Chennai, India, from September 4 to 6, 2026. As President of PTCOG-AO, I am delighted to share the highlights of this memorable meeting and express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success.
The Steering Committee of PTCOG-NA
More than half of the world’s cancer patients live in Asia, and interest in particle therapy continues to grow rapidly across the region. Against this background, PTCOG-AO plays an increasingly important role in promoting access to particle therapy through research, education, and international collaboration. Our annual conference provides a valuable platform for professionals from diverse backgrounds to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and build partnerships that advance particle therapy in clinical practice.
PTCOG-AO 2026 was a tremendous success, bringing together 507 registered participants, including 116 international participants, representing 33 countries and regions. The conference featured 115 abstracts, 33 oral presentations, and 25 travel grants, reflecting the strong scientific engagement and growing international reach of our community.
Conference Chair Professor Rakesh Jalali is in the center of the photo
The scientific program included stimulating plenary lectures and debates addressing the future of particle therapy, including workflow automation, adaptation and AI/ML integration, tumor biology, and the generation of clinical evidence through smarter trials. The 6th Dr. Prathap C. Reddy Annual Apollo Proton Oration, delivered by Dr. Marco Durante, was another highlight of the conference, celebrating the continuing advancement of particle therapy. Beyond the scientific sessions, participants enjoyed an exclusive visit to Apollo Proton Cancer Centre and opportunities for networking and cultural exchange, making the meeting both intellectually rewarding and personally memorable.
On behalf of PTCOG-AO, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our Conference Chair, Dr. Rakesh Jalali, and the entire team at Apollo Cancer Centre for their outstanding dedication, warm hospitality, and exceptional efforts in organizing this successful conference. Their commitment and hard work created an inspiring environment for scientific exchange and collaboration. I would also like to thank all speakers, faculty members, abstract presenters, participants, and members of the PTCOG-AO Steering Committee for their valuable contributions.
The beach near the conference venue
This conference also marks an important transition for our organization. My term as President of PTCOG-AO will conclude at the end of December 2026. It has been a great honor and privilege to serve this community and work alongside so many dedicated colleagues. I am pleased that Dr. Michael Wang of the National Cancer Centre Singapore, our current Vice-President, will succeed me and lead PTCOG-AO into its next chapter. I am confident that the organization will continue to grow under his leadership.
Looking ahead, PTCOG 65 and PTCOG-AO 2027 will be held jointly in Bangkok, Thailand, next year. We are delighted that the meeting will be hosted by the Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Proton Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. We look forward to another exciting opportunity to strengthen connections between the global and Asia-Oceania particle therapy communities.
Thank you once again to everyone who made PTCOG-AO 2026 such a remarkable success. Let us continue working together to advance particle therapy, expand access to treatment, and improve outcomes for cancer patients throughout Asia-Oceania and beyond.
I look forward to seeing you all in Bangkok in 2027!!
Ohno Tatsuya MD. PhD.
Director, Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center
President, PTCOG-AO
