External beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer came of age with the introduction of high energy linear accelerators in the 1960-80’s. Usage increased dramatically after the introduction of PSA testing in the 1980’s. The dose delivered was limited by side-effects on particularly the rectum, which limited prostate cancer control.

The history of treating cancer of the anal cancer can be summarized into five steps. I: A rare and nasty disease (19th century to 1930). II: Radiotherapy: A glimmer of hope. (1930-1960) III: Radiotherapy first, for cure and quality of life of earlier stages (1960-1980). IV: Combined radiochemotherapy. Definite progress for moderately and advanced stages (1980 until now). V: Finally, the guilty responsible identified: The Human Papilloma Virus.

Nuclear medicine, with its 80-year history, is a constantly evolving medical specialty. This article reviews its key milestones in Europe, focusing on diagnostic and therapeutic innovations, key figures, and prospects. It highlights European contributions to this field, which utilizes radioactive tracers for diagnosing and treating various pathologies, especially oncological ones.