The Memo: THERYQ’s Bold Step Forward in Cancer Treatment

THERYQ is spearheading a new era in cancer care with its FLASH radiotherapy, a technology that delivers powerful results in record time while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Under the direction of CEO Ludovic Le Meunier, THERYQ is set to make a profound impact on the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy treatments.

Origin Story

Located in the south of France, THERYQ began as a specialized division within PMB-ALCEN. “About 10 or 12 years ago, PMB got the chance to work on a machine inside a hospital where we discovered what we now refer to as the flash effect in radiotherapy," recalls Ludovic Le Meunier, CEO of THERYQ. "This discovery marked a turning point, revealing the potential to revolutionize how we treat cancer."

The flash effect, a groundbreaking phenomenon in radiotherapy, demonstrated an unprecedented ability to treat tumors with a single, ultra-quick burst of energy. Recognizing the transformative potential of this technology, the team at PMB-ALCEN dedicated years of research and development to perfecting it. "It was a challenging journey," Ludovic explains, "but after several years of hard work, the technology gained enough momentum to stand on its own. That’s when we knew it was time to create THERYQ as an independent company."

In 2018, THERYQ was spun off from PMB-ALCEN, becoming part of ALCEN’s Healthcare branch. Today, THERYQ specializes in the design and production of radiotherapy machines incorporating linear accelerators. The company’s expertise spans project management, R&D, industrialization, and manufacturing—key competencies that have been critical to its success.

The Current Landscape

Radiotherapy is a cornerstone in the fight against cancer, being the second most commonly used treatment after surgery. However, despite its widespread use, conventional radiotherapy faces significant limitations that impact its effectiveness and patient outcomes. As Ludovic explains, "Radiotherapy works, but it only cures about 40% of cancer patients. This means that 30 to 40% of tumors are resistant to the amount of energy we can safely deliver with current technologies."

One of the major challenges with conventional radiotherapy is the requirement for multiple treatment sessions. "Patients often need to undergo 20 to 30 sessions, each lasting several minutes," Ludovic points out. "This repeated exposure not only takes a toll on the patient but also increases the risk of side effects." These side effects arise because traditional radiotherapy damages not only the tumor but also the surrounding healthy tissues, leading to what Ludovic describes as "toxicity to healthy tissues."

This toxicity is particularly problematic in the treatment of certain aggressive cancers, such as glioblastoma. "Glioblastoma is an extremely aggressive brain tumor with a survival rate of just 5% at six months and only 1% at five years," Ludovic explains. "We know that with conventional radiotherapy, we could potentially destroy these tumors if we could safely deliver more energy. But doing so would also destroy healthy brain tissue, making the treatment itself life-threatening."

The limitations of conventional radiotherapy highlight the urgent need for innovation in this space. "The current standard of care has significant room for improvement," Ludovic emphasizes. "We need to find ways to reduce the number of treatment sessions, minimize side effects, and most importantly, increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy for those patients whose tumors are currently resistant."

Inside the Innovation

THERYQ is addressing these challenges head-on with its FLASH radiotherapy technology. This approach allows tumors to be treated in a single session in less than 100 milliseconds. The core of this technology lies in its ability to accelerate electrons to deliver a powerful dose of energy to the tumor in a fraction of a second. As Ludovic explains, "The main idea behind our technology is to accelerate electrons—lots of them—so we can give much more energy in a fraction of a second. That’s what we call the flash effect."

The flash effect is transforming radiotherapy by combining unmatched speed and exceptional precision. "When we deliver such a powerful dose of radiation so quickly, we still manage to destroy the tumor effectively, just like conventional radiotherapy," Ludovic notes. "But what’s remarkable is that we do it with 40% less damage to the healthy tissues surrounding the tumor. This reduced toxicity is a game-changer, especially for cancers that are currently considered untreatable with existing radiotherapy technologies."

THERYQ’s FLASH radiotherapy is implemented through two main systems: FLASHKNiFE and FLASHDEEP. FLASHKNiFE is designed for superficial tumors and is capable of treating cancers up to 3 centimeters deep. "FLASHKNiFE is a versatile machine that we’ve developed to address a wide range of tumors, particularly skin cancers," says Ludovic. "It’s also highly effective in intraoperative radiotherapy, giving surgeons a powerful tool to target tumors during surgery."

The potential of THERYQ’s FLASH radiotherapy doesn’t stop there. THERYQ’s second machine, FLASHDEEP, is designed to tackle deep-seated tumors within the body. "FLASHDEEP is where we really push the boundaries," Ludovic explains. "By using very high energy electrons—between 100 and 200 MeV—we can treat any solid tumor, no matter where it’s located. This capability is a significant leap forward in the fight against cancer."

The technology behind FLASHDEEP has been developed in partnership with CERN, the world-renowned leader in particle physics. "The collaboration with CERN has been crucial," Ludovic says. "They’ve helped us develop a system that’s not only incredibly powerful but also compact enough to be used in hospitals. Thanks to our exclusive agreement with CERN, we believe THERYQ is years ahead of any potential competitors."

Beyond the machines themselves, THERYQ’s innovation extends to the overall treatment experience. The speed and precision of FLASH radiotherapy mean that patients only need a single session, reducing both the cost and the physical toll of treatment. "With our machines, patients don’t have to endure multiple sessions or deal with prolonged side effects," Ludovic emphasizes. "We’re providing a solution that’s not only more effective but also more compassionate."

Progress and Milestones

THERYQ has made remarkable strides in its mission to revolutionize cancer treatment. "Our first major milestone was in 2018," says Ludovic. "We treated our first patient with FLASH radiotherapy—someone who had a cutaneous lymphoma resistant to all available treatments. After just one session, the tumor was gone, and to this day, there has been no recurrence or side effects. This was a clear validation of our technology."

Following this success, THERYQ has been focused on scaling up its operations and bringing its technology to more patients. "We’re currently in the process of installing our FLASHKNiFE machines across several institutions in Europe," Ludovic explains. "These installations are crucial as we prepare for large-scale clinical trials, which are set to begin by the end of this year."

The regulatory pathway for FLASHKNiFE is well-defined, with the goal of achieving CE Mark approval by 2026 and FDA approval by 2027. "We’re following a rigorous development and regulatory process," Ludovic notes. "It’s a long journey, but we’re confident in our progress and the impact this technology will have once it’s widely available."

In parallel, THERYQ is advancing its second machine, FLASHDEEP, which is designed for treating deep-seated tumors. "The first FLASHDEEP machine will be installed at Lausanne University Hospital in 2025," Ludovic shares. "This will be followed by another installation at the Gustave Roussy Institute in Paris in 2026. These partnerships with leading medical institutions are a testament to the confidence the medical community has in our technology."

THERYQ’s progress is further bolstered by strong financial backing and strategic partnerships. "We’ve been fortunate to secure significant support from European institutions, including EIT Health and France 2030," says Ludovic. "These funds are crucial for advancing our clinical trials and preparing for commercialization."

Looking ahead, THERYQ has ambitious plans to continue expanding its reach and impact. "In the next six to 12 months, we’ll be focusing heavily on the clinical trials for FLASHKNiFE, as well as the assembly and installation of our first FLASHDEEP machines," Ludovic explains. "We’re also working on developing a lighter version of FLASHKNiFE to make the technology more accessible and affordable for a broader range of healthcare facilities."

As THERYQ moves forward, Ludovic remains focused on the company’s ultimate mission: to revolutionize cancer treatment. "Our technology has the potential to change the way we treat cancer, not just by improving existing therapies but by offering new hope to patients who currently have no therapeutic options," he concludes. "Every milestone we achieve brings us one step closer to that goal."

Market Insights

According to LSI’s Global Surgical Procedure Volumes Database, stereotactic radiosurgery procedures are the fastest growing procedure market covered. With procedure volumes growth for SRS procedures projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4%, the adoption of radiotherapy continues to accelerate due to the introduction of technologies that enable the targeting of extracranial malignancies.

Of the approximately one million SRS procedures that are performed worldwide each year, nearly 70% of the procedures are being performed on parts of the body outside of the head. 

The radiotherapy devices market as a whole is also seeing impressive growth worldwide. LSI’s Market Analysis and Projections (MAP) database projects that this market will increase at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023, with device sales estimated at $7.3B in ‘23 to exceed $10.1B by ‘28.

Join Us At LSI Europe ‘24

Ludovic Le Meunier has been selected to present at LSI Europe ‘24 this September 16th-20th in front of hundreds of global medical technology companies. Join us in welcoming Ludovic to the event in Sintra, Portugal where he will share the latest updates on THERYQ’s technology and development.