The European particle therapy network at 10 years: milestones achieved and the road ahead

The European Particle Therapy Network (EPTN) was established in 2015 to promote professional collaboration and foster clinical and research partnerships in particle therapy across Europe. In 2017, it became a Task Force of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), with the goal of integrating particle therapy within the broader European radiotherapy community. As particle therapy represents only one component of modern radiation oncology, its development must be aligned with advances in other radiotherapy techniques, multidisciplinary cancer research, and comprehensive patient care. Particle therapy offers unique opportunities to optimize treatment for selected indications and to conduct high-quality research within coordinated European frameworks. Over the past decade, the EPTN has worked to enhance visibility, coordination, and data robustness across Europe, supporting the establishment and consolidation of particle therapy as an integral element of the cancer treatment arsenal. This article summarizes the EPTN's 10-year journey in the context of the rapid expansion of European particle therapy centres-particularly proton therapy facilities-while addressing the economic and clinical challenges associated with implementing this advanced technology. Finally, we outline the Network's future directions and the key challenges ahead in advancing particle therapy across Europe.