In October 2006 the “First European Workshop on Monte Carlo Treatment Planning”, was organized at the Gent University (Belgium) as an initiative of the European Working Group on Monte Carlo Treatment Planning (EWG-MCTP). The success of this and similar scientific events across the Atlantic reflects the continuously increasing interest in MCTP within the clinical environment.

The introduction into clinical practice of more accurate algorithms for patient dose calculation is of paramount importance and algorithms based on the Monte Carlo method are widely regarded as the most accurate available in radiotherapy. MC techniques are also ideal research and development tools increasingly used in emerging areas including, among others, functional imaging, and molecular targeted radiotherapy. The number of publications reporting the use of MC in radiotherapy treatment planning (MCTP) has indeed increased exponentially in the last 25 years.

The aim of MCTP2009 is to create a synergistic environment to maximize the integration of research, development and clinical implementation of MC technology in medical radiation physics devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Cardiff, capital city of Wales, is the youngest capital in Europe. It is internationally recognised as hosting one of Britain's foremost research-intensive universities, along with Wales’ largest specialist Cancer Centre. Wales, with its 750 miles of coastline, 641 castles and 3 national parks is a remarkable venue for this event.

We hope to see you in Cardiff in 2009!

Emiliano Spezi
Chairman of the MCTP2009 Organising Committee