The Department of Radiation Oncology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), in collaboration with the Cancer Control and Prevention Program at the Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute (NKBCI), hosted the World Radiotherapy Awareness Day at the Halim and Aida Daniel Academic and Clinical Center (ACC).
During the event, AUBMC announced the acquisition of the Varian ETHOS Adaptive Radiotherapy System, a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment technology. The Varian ETHOS™ represents a new era of radiation therapy, offering real-time plan adaptation to tumor position and size. This innovation enhances precision, spares healthy tissue, and reduces side effects, further strengthening AUBMC's commitment to delivering world-class care.
AUB President Fadlo R. Khuri emphasized the importance of this milestone saying, “Radiotherapy has evolved from an effective local treatment into a highly sophisticated science. The ETHOS machine has revolutionized precision, efficiency, and personalization in cancer treatment. This is a point of pride for us, but more importantly, it is a point of hope for patients. They no longer need to travel far for world-class cancer care. They can find it here, supported by teams who understand their language, culture, and needs."
Minister of Public Health Rakan Nassereldine reaffirmed the national significance of this step, “This achievement is a lifesaving advancement that will allow more individualized, precise, and effective cancer treatment for patients in Lebanon and will ultimately save lives."
Raja N. Khuri Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Raymond Sawaya said, “To be considered a true Center of Excellence, a Radiation Oncology Program must be equipped with the most advanced technology, it must also offer the highest level of clinical and technical expertise, and, above all, it must possess a culture of caring and empathy. It is therefore with great pride that our Department of Radiation Oncology at AUB meets all three criteria!"
Director of Cancer Prevention and Control Program at NKBCI Hiba Moukaddem gave a speech on behalf of Director of NKBCI Ali Taher. She stated, “Our reunion today reflects the collaborative efforts linking between radiotherapy awareness and cancer awareness and patient care at Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute. This institute adopts an integrative medical approach for patients with cancer and commits to awareness and education in the community, ensuring access for our population, investing in high technology for the best patient care, and strengthening partnerships to deliver the best care."
Director of Human Resources at AUBMC Lama Itani shared her own journey as a patient. “The Radiation Oncology team became not only caregivers, but also protectors. With top-notch technology and unmatched compassion, they turned fear into trust and loneliness into comfort," she said.
Interim Chairperson of the Department of Radiation Oncology Toufic Eid said, “AUBMC's Department of Radiation Oncology helped introduce advanced therapies to Lebanon and the region, and today, we reaffirm our commitment to state-of-the-art, team-based cancer care. Technology doesn't treat patients—people do. Our physicists, therapists, nurses, engineers, and clinicians carry the daily weight of safety, quality, and compassion."
AUBMC's Department of Radiation Oncology has been at the forefront of introducing modern radiation therapies in Lebanon and the region, establishing itself as a trusted referral center for complex cases. It is home to the first and only ACGME-I-accredited Radiation Oncology Residency Program worldwide, providing comprehensive training in modern techniques, multidisciplinary care, and research. The department also offers Lebanon's only structured Medical Physics Residency Program, combining rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical training aligned with international standards, preparing graduates for certification and practice. In addition, it leads the country's only Radiobiology Research Lab, equipping trainees with the biological foundations of radiation-tissue interactions to optimize therapeutic outcomes. These pioneering initiatives are supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts working collaboratively to deliver excellence in patient care, academic training, and research innovation.