UNPRECEDENTED RECURRENCE OF COHORT EVENTS IN CONVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY 2025 was marked by an unprecedented recurrence, in conventional radiology, of significant radiation protection events involving cohorts of patients, including children. A common factor in these events was incorrect setting of equipment parameters on commissioning, leading to systematic errors that were detected only at a late stage. The events point to shortcomings in radiation protection culture, particularly in the dose optimisation approach. ASNR stresses the importance of staff training and qualification, and of formalising practices when commissioning any new equipment or introducing new practices. It draws attention to the importance of dosimetry assessment for optimisation purposes starting from the time of installation and throughout the entire period of use. On the ground, ASNR will step up its oversight in 2026 with a conventional radiology inspection campaign in centres that carry out paediatric examinations. To promote awareness throughout the profession, a self-assessment tool will be provided to support professionals to comply with regulatory requirements and implement best practices. Lastly, an “Operational Experience Feedback” fact sheet will be distributed to raise awareness of these incidents, make them easier to detect and prevent their recurrence. Furthermore, the deployment of peer review focused on clinical practices, providing a critical viewpoint and legitimacy from professionals engaged in comparable activities, would be a significant asset in assessing the justification of procedures, and optimising them. In addition to the information provided to patients, information for the public needs to be clearer, making it easier to distinguish a minor incident from a more serious event. In radiotherapy and brachytherapy, the ASN-SFRO (French Society of Radiation Oncology) scale is used to distinguish between the importance of the failure that caused the event and the medical seriousness of the exposure. ASNR calls on professional organisations to consider developing appropriate scales for diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine procedures as well as for targeted internal radiotherapy. ANTICIPATING AND SUPPORTING INNOVATION IN THE MEDICAL FIELD For ASNR, anticipating innovation means ensuring that radiation protection issues are considered right from the design stage, and help to guide choices and practices. To support innovation, within the scope of clinical trials, regulatory oversight arrangements need to be adapted, while ensuring that radiation protection levels are maintained. In response to the boom in clinical trials using new radionuclides for targeted internal radiotherapy, ASNR has issued an advance authorisation for possession and use of these radionuclides. This makes it possible to plan ahead for certain measures relevant to radiation protection – such as the calibration of activity meters and cameras – and facilitates the implementation of test protocols. More broadly, the challenges raised by the emergence of new radiopharmaceuticals concern not only patients, but also professionals, the public and the environment. ASNR will adopt a position in 2026 on improving radiation protection in clinical trials involving new radionuclides. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in innovative techniques. ASNR will be organising a seminar on AI in medical applications in 2026. In this area, AI is already widely deployed and mature, but with a lack of transparency about the evaluation criteria used. Furthermore, its development calls for reflection on changes in responsibilities, skills and professions. Generally speaking, ASNR’s monitoring of new techniques and practices is based on its skills in research and expert assessment, as well as its various expert groups and committees. Reinforcing links and sharing knowledge among all institutional stakeholders in the healthcare sector and professional organisations would improve monitoring and promote the deployment of innovation within a secure framework, for the benefit of patients. LEARNING FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF THE FLAMANVILLE EPR TO GUARANTEE NUCLEAR SAFETY OVER THE DURATION OF THE EPR 2 INDUSTRIAL PROGRAMME In 2025, ASNR teams were mobilised for the review of the application authorisations to construct two EPR 2-type reactors at the Penly site (Seine-Maritime département). Following on from the review of the safety options for the new EPRs carried out in 2019, the technical expert assessment (concerning the design of key systems, consideration of internal and external hazards, accident studies without core meltdown, etc.) was completed in early 2026 without revealing any critical issues that would pose a barrier. This efficient mobilisation will enable ASNR to adopt a position in 2026. Following operational experience feedback from the construction of the EPR reactor at Flamanville and with a view to the construction of a series of EPR 2 reactors, ASNR updated its oversight of the design and manufacture of Nuclear Pressure Equipment (NPE). Following the work carried out by industry to update the RCC-M code (the French standard that sets out the design and construction rules for mechanical equipment in the nuclear islands of Pressurised Water Reactors), ASNR has stated its position on the code’s suitability for ensuring and demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements. This major development, which has been under way for several years, provides stabilised technical baseline requirements for the EPR 2 programme. At the same time, discussions are continuing on ASNR’s guide to NPE conformity ABSTRACTS – ASNR Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2025 5
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