09.10.2025

Luther advises Heidelberg University Hospital on groundbreaking advances in cancer treatment

Eine Hand hält ein Tablet, während digitale Gesundheits- und Daten-Symbole im Vordergrund sichtbar sind. Die Grafiken umfassen Diagramme und medizinische Icons, die auf technologischen Fortschritt im Gesundheitswesen hinweisen. Der Hintergrund ist unscharf und vermittelt eine moderne, medizinische Umgebung.

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH advised Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) on the acquisition of a state-of-the-art Proteus®ONE proton therapy system from Ion Beam Applications SA (IBA). The project strengthens cancer treatment options in Germany and cements the UKHD's role as a leading European centre for innovative medicine.

Proton therapy is a modern and advanced form of radiation therapy. Unlike conventional radiation procedures, protons can deliver their energy precisely to the tumour tissue while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. This can reduce side effects in certain tumour diseases and enable gentler treatment of cancer patients of all ages.

Installation of the proton therapy facility is scheduled to begin in 2029, with completion and commissioning planned for the end of 2030. Targeted provisions have been contractually agreed to coordinate construction measures with the timing and content requirements of the installation process.

Luther successfully structured and negotiated a contract package consisting of a purchase agreement for the proton therapy facility and a ten-year operating and maintenance agreement, which clearly defined the responsibilities of UKHD and IBA for the maintenance and operation of the facility. Luther's experts conducted the entire contract negotiations bilingually in German and English.

Frank Rothe, Head of Medical Technology and Project Manager at UKHD, is delighted with the successful conclusion: ‘The complex project structure posed major challenges for all those involved. Luther was an integral part of our project team from the outset. In particular, the creative solutions developed by Luther for sensitive points of negotiation and the constructive and cooperative approach were decisive for the rapid and successful conclusion of the talks.’

About Heidelberg University Hospital:

The UKHD is one of Europe's most renowned university hospitals. With the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Centre (HIT), it is already a pioneer in precision cancer therapy. The new facility expands this expertise to include state-of-the-art single-room proton therapy and strengthens Heidelberg's position as an international centre for innovative cancer treatment.

For Heidelberg University Hospital:

Luther, Commercial: Anne Biebler (partner, lead), Jakob Paul Kurz (associate)

Luther, Plant Engineering & Real Estate: Stephan Finck (partner), Jens Kaiser (senior associate), Tobias Jedermann (associate)

Luther, Public Procurement Law: Sarah Peuser (associate)

Luther, Employment Law: Robert Pacholski (Partner)

For Ion Beam Applications:

Stephan Mayer (In-house)