ISRS Congress 2026: How Global Collaboration is Illuminating the Way Forward for Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Radiotherapy

By Dr Cecelia Gzell, ISRS Treasurer and Chair of Local Organising Committee 

As the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS) prepares to gather in Sydney, Australia this weekend for the 2026 ISRS Congress, there has never been a more important moment to reflect on how far the field has come and the critical role it will play in delivering patient care moving forward. 

With stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) evolving at pace with rapid advances in technology, treatment delivery and clinical research, maintaining alignment across global practice is essential. By bringing clinicians together to connect and collaborate, forums such as the ISRS are helping to translate knowledge and global expertise into better outcomes for patients worldwide.  

Global stereotactic conversation

With significant Icon representation on the ISRS Local Committee, we are proud to be sponsoring this year’s Congress which will bring together world leaders to discuss the latest techniques and treatments shaping the future of SRS and SRT. 

Equally important is the opportunity to come together in person. While digital education has expanded access to knowledge globally, face-to-face collaboration continues to play a pivotal role in shaping critical thinking, fostering partnerships, and influencing future directions in the field.

From research to real-world impact

One of the most powerful aspects of ISRS is its ability to bridge the gap between innovation and clinical practice. 

Outside the biennial Congress events, regular guideline publications and expert-led education sessions help clinicians rapidly absorb and implement new approaches in what is a fast-moving area of oncology.  

The events then provide the opportunity for direct connection with peers and world-leading experts to extend the knowledge sharing.

These interactions lay the foundation for future collaboration and research, particularly for clinicians working in regional or rural settings, where access to globally recognised expertise can be limited.  

At the same time, several challenges remain. One of the most pressing is the need for more accurate imaging techniques to distinguish between post-treatment inflammation and tumour progression. Despite advances in modalities such as MRI-perfusion, spectroscopy and PET imaging, sensitivity and specificity remain limited, making this a critical area for ongoing research investigation. 

Advancements in technology infrastructure are also opening up new opportunities. The integration of multiple precision platforms within a single centre, such as Icon’s newly announced Macquarie University Hospital Stereotactic Centre of Excellence, will create powerful environments for collaboration, clinician training, and expanding patient access to highly specialised treatments.  

Australia’s growing contribution

Although Australia may be a small country in terms of population, it continues to invest heavily in technology and talent. With a growing number of respected clinicians leading the way in radiotherapy clinical trials and treatment, Australia can certainly play an even greater role in shaping international guidelines and strategic direction.  

Nowhere is this more evident than within Icon, as we continue to invest in advanced SRS and SRT technologies to expand access to precision radiotherapy across our operations, and welcome clinicians from across our national network to the Congress this weekend to contribute to the global conversation. 

Pursuit of innovation

As we count down to ISRS Congress 2026, in amongst the anticipation, it offers a moment of reflection and sets the direction for what comes next.  

The Congress will illuminate new possibilities for SRT and SRS and challenge us as to continue the momentum forward and ultimately translate the clinical acceleration into better outcomes for patients across the globe. 

ISRS Congress 2026 will be held in Sydney, Australia from 31 May to 3 June. For more information including the full Congress program, visit www.isrscongress.org