Prof Roberto Orecchia talks about techniques and options regarding partial breast irradiation and related issues that have arisen at ESTRO 2010. Prof Orecchia discusses what conclusions can be drawn from clinical trials investigating partial breast irradiation and what further work is necessary before best practice can be determined. Prof Orecchia concludes by speaking about the development of carbon ion therapy and cancer therapy using hadron radiation and explaining what clinical trials are being carried out to establish an evidence base for these technologies.