Welcome  Message 
Richard P. Baum
Precision Oncology is a tool to decode the channels of interaction, translation and transduction of information between genes, cells, microenvironment and macro-environment at tissue, organ and organ system level, with the goal of integrating them in disease management strategies. Nuclear medicine indeed is the first proponent of the basic principles of precision oncology, using radioactive iodine for the treatment of hyperthyroidism (Saul Hertz 1941) and of thyroid cancer (Samuel Seidlin 1942). Encouraged by the ‘magic bullet’ concept of Paul Ehrlich (1899), the hybridoma technology (Köhler and Milstein 1975) enabled the production of monoclonal antibodies in unlimited quantities, which has further revolutionized the concept of diagnosis and therapy in nuclear medicine. Major breakthroughs were made in radionuclide production using generators. In 2011 we organized the first World Congress on Gallium-68 and PRRT (with participants from 56 countries), which took place in Chandigarh, Baltimore, Melbourne, and Jeju over the last years. The utility of positron emission tomography was recognized early by the administration of Zentralklinik Bad Berka (ZBB), and in 1997, the first PET scanner, was installed. In parallel, ZBB obtained its first cyclotron and GMP certified radiopharmacy. The very first patient was treated in Germany by peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in July 1997 at Frankfurt University Hospital using Y-90 DOTATOC – produced by Helmut Mäcke in Basel. In February 1999, the boy was also the first patient at ZBB to undergo intra-arterial PRRT which relieved his paraplegia completely. In 1999, the ZBB isotope ward was opened, becoming the largest molecular radiotherapy ward in Europe. In the last 20 years, more than 6200 PRRT in over 1600 patients from across the globe have been performed. In addition, the world’s first Lu-177 PSMA radioligand therapy of prostate cancer was performed at ZBB early in 2013, and since then, more than 1300 treatment cycles (>300 patients) have been administered. During the last twenty years, innovative new radiopharmaceuticals, radionuclide generators and novel radioisotopes (e.g. Tb-152 and Tb-161), obtained from leading radiochemists and industry have helped cancer patients devoid of hope. In 2016, we opened our new state-of-the-art radiopharmaceutical building. The ICPO Foundation was established in March 2019, with the main objective of fostering the communication between patients, medical experts, industry and governments to build an international community bringing Precision Oncology, Targeted Isotope Imaging and Therapy to the growing numbers of patients worldwide. The key mission of the ICPO is to establish a global network of International Centers for Precision Oncology, based on Best Practice Standards, Methods and Qualifications and to foster global expansion and the communication in between the centers. The ICPO Foundation is very honored to be able to celebrate its official inauguration together with the 20th Anniversary of Targeted Isotope Therapy in Bad Berka. Precision oncology is the future of cancer care and your active involvement and participation will make this symposium a success story to the benefit of our patients. 

„Aegroti Salus Suprema Lex” −The Benefit of the Patient is the Highest Law.
  

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