Expert Perspectives – AI In Radiotherapy

Dr. Timo Kiljunen of Docrates Cancer Center: Advancing Radiotherapy with AI

In this ‘Expert Perspectives: AI in Radiotherapy’ interview, we speak with Dr. Timo Kiljunen, a Medical Physicist at Docrates Mehiläinen Cancer Center in Helsinki. He holds a PhD in physics and is an adjunct professor of medical physics at the University of Helsinki. Over his career, Dr. Kiljunen has published tens of scientific articles and built expertise in radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging, and radiation safety. He previously worked at Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), and his background across clinical practice, research, and regulation gives him a broad, practical view of how imaging and AI can enhance cancer care.

Published: 13.01.26

Dr. Kiljunen standing at a desk, hands placed on a laptop

Could you introduce your hospital and your role there?

I work at the Docrates Mehiläinen Cancer Center in Helsinki, Finland. Docrates is the only private cancer center in the Nordics. I have been working as a Medical Physicist at Docrates for 16 years and I’m mainly responsible for radiation therapy.

How has AI become part of your radiotherapy workflow?

We have been using AI-based contouring since 2018. We use it for every patient and often optimize the contouring accuracy using different imaging modalities and sequences.

How have MVision AI’s solutions, such as GBS™ or Contour+, changed the way you work?

It has streamlined the workflow and made possible a faster schedule from imaging to treatment. Both imaging, contouring and treatment planning can be implemented during the same day. Also, consistency of contouring and planning has improved.

What difference do these advancements make for your patients?

We have more time to spend with the patient and we have been able to minimize the stressful waiting time before the treatment starts.

What excites you most about the future of AI in oncology?

The time saved allows for individualized or personalized treatment plans and ensures the best possible treatment for each patient.

Docrates Cancer center

About Docrates Cancer Center
Docrates Cancer Center is a private hospital in Helsinki that focuses on cancer diagnostics, treatment and follow-up. It began operating in 2007 and moved to its current premises in Jätkäsaari in 2009. The hospital provides a combination of imaging, radiation therapy, systemic therapies and isotopic treatments. Cancer surgeries are carried out in cooperation with partner hospitals.

Docrates treats patients from Finland and from abroad. Each patient is typically assigned a responsible doctor and nursing team to coordinate the care path. The hospital has expertise in several common cancers, such as prostate, breast, liver, lung and gynecological cancers, and also works with immuno-oncological treatments. In addition to clinical work, Docrates participates in clinical trials and collaborates with academic and industry partners on the development and evaluation of new diagnostic and treatment methods.