The American Society for Radiation Oncology has announced the results of its Board of Directors and Nominating Committee elections. Those elected will begin their terms at ASTRO’s 51st Annual Meeting in Chicago, which will be held November 1-5, 2009.
Actual utilization rates for radiation therapy equipment used in freestanding cancer treatment centers are closer to the current assumed rate of 50 percent, not 90 percent as proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Medicare physician fee schedule proposed rule for 2010. The actual rates were revealed in a new survey by dmrkynetec that was commissioned by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).
Drinking wine while undergoing radiation treatment for breast carcinoma may reduce the incidence of skin toxicity in breast cancer patients, according to a study in the August issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).
The American Society for Radiation Oncology is pleased to announce its 2009 class of ASTRO Fellows. These 12 distinguished members will receive their awards at a special ceremony during the 51th Annual Meeting being held November 1-5, 2009, at McCormick Place West in Chicago.
A new proposal from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to cut payments for radiation therapy treatments would cause many cancer centers to close, stop accepting Medicare patients, lay off support staff and reduce services to cancer patients, according to a survey conducted by ASTRO, the American Society for Radiation Oncology.
W. Robert Lee, M.D., M.S., M.Ed., an ASTRO member and professor of radiation oncology at the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, N.C., will testify this morning before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on the lifesaving benefits of brachytherapy.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has selected world-renowned neurosurgeon Philip H. Gutin, M.D., as its Honorary Member for 2009. Dr. Gutin will be honored at the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, during ASTRO's 51st Annual Meeting in Chicago.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has published a consensus statement outlining patient selection criteria and best practices for the use of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) outside the context of a clinical trial in the July 15 issue of the International Journal of Radiation. Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of ASTRO.
Prostate cancer patients who receive brachytherapy and remain free of disease for five years or greater are unlikely to have a recurrence at 10 years, according to a study in the July 1 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is now accepting applications for Survivor Circle grants from cancer support organizations in Illinois. ASTRO awards these grants to non-disease site specific cancer support groups located in the state where ASTRO holds its Annual Meeting. ASTRO's Annual Meeting will be held November 1-5, 2009, at McCormick Place West in Chicago.
External beam partial breast irradiation (EB-PBI) is the most cost-effective method for treating postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer based on utilities, recurrence risks and costs when compared to whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT) and brachytherapy partial breast irradiation (brachy-PBI), according to a study in the June 1 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has recently updated its award-winning patient booklet, Radiation Therapy for Cancer that provides information for people living with cancer and their loved ones who are exploring radiation therapy as a treatment option.
In female cancer patients of reproductive age, radiation treatment directly to the ovaries should be avoided because there is a direct relationship between certain types of radiation therapy and fertility problems, according to a review in the April 1 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).
Preliminary results show that a shortened course of radiation therapy for prostate cancer called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) provides good PSA response for early-stage prostate cancer and has the same side effects as other treatments, according to a March 15 study in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics. Study authors caution that further follow-up will be necessary to establish that SBRT is as effective in the long term as other proven treatments.
Breast cancer patients 35 years old and younger have higher rates of their cancer returning after treatment than older women patients with the same stage of cancer, and their risk of recurrence is greatly impacted by the type of treatment they received, according to a March 1 study in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics.
In a first of its kind study, a first-degree family history of prostate cancer has no impact on the treatment outcomes of prostate cancer patients treated with brachytherapy (also called seed implants), and patients with this type of family history have clinical and pathologic characteristics similar to men with no family history at all, according to a January 1 study in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics.
Breast cancer patients who receive breast-conserving therapy and radiation do not need a follow-up mammogram until 12 months after radiation, despite current American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines that recommend follow-up mammograms at between six and 12 months after radiation, according to a November 15 study in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics.
Men over 70 years of age with early-stage prostate cancer have 20 percent higher mortality if they are treated first with hormone therapy before being treated with radiation seed implants (brachytherapy), compared to men who are treated with brachytherapy alone, according to the largest cohort study of its kind presented September 23, 2008, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting in Boston.
Long-term survivors of adult cancers are almost twice as likely to report psychological distress severe enough to cause moderate to serious problems functioning in social, work or school situations, compared to the general population, according to a large, national study presented September 24, 2008, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting in Boston.
Doctors have created a free online computer tool, the CaP Calculator, that provides cancer specialists access to the latest prostate cancer research and helps them better individiualize each patient's treatment options, according to a study presented in a scientific session on September, 23, 2008, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting in Boston.
Cancer patients with tumors that have spread to the brain (brain metastases) who undergo stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and whole brain radiation have more than double the risk of developing learning and memory problems, compared to those who only have stereotactic radiosurgery, according to a randomized study presented September 22, 2008, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting in Boston.
The use of a short one week course of radiation before surgery for rectal cancer leads to a reduced risk of recurrence but with some impairment in quality of life for sexual and bowel function, according to an international study presented September 22, 2008, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting in Boston.
Patients who are treated with proton therapy (a specialized type of external beam radiation therapy using protons rather than X-rays to treat cancer) decreases the risk of patients developing a secondary cancer by two-fold, compared to being treated with standard photon radiation treatment, according to a first-of-its-kind study presented September 22, 2008, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting in Boston.
Acupuncture is as effective and longer-lasting in managing the common debilitating side effects of hot flashes, night sweats, and excessive sweating (vasomotor symptoms) associated with breast cancer treatment and has no treatment side effects compared to conventional drug therapy, according to a first-of-its-kind study presented September 24, 2008, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting in Boston.
Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using a type of radiation seed implants called balloon brachytherapy, a newer type of radiation treatment that offers more convenience to early-stage breast cancer patients by shortening radiation therapy from the standard six to seven weeks of treatment to only one week, is as effective in keeping breast cancer from coming back as the standard external beam radiation treatment, according to a study presented September 22, 2008, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting in Boston.
Early-stage breast cancer patients who receive a more intensive course of radiation to their whole breast over three weeks is as effective as the standard, less intensive five-week whole breast radiation and offers patients more convenience at a lower cost, thereby providing a better quality of life, according to a randomized, long-term study presented September 22, 2008, in the plenary session at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting in Boston.
For men with locally advanced prostate cancer the addition of radiation treatment to anti-androgen hormone therapy reduces the risk of dying of prostate cancer by 50 percent compared to those who have anti-androgen hormone treatment alone, according to a randomized study presented September 22, 2008, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting in Boston.
Quality assurance programs like the one at the Quality Assurance Review Center (QARC) in Worcester, Mass., strengthen the quality of clinical trials, including cooperative groups conducting National Cancer Institute-supported clinical trials, thereby improving the standard of care in cancer patients, according to a study presented September 21, 2008, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting in Boston.
Pain is one of the most common symptoms of cancer patients, yet many of them do not receive adequate therapy for the pain caused by their disease or treatments, according to a study in the September 1 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has selected Debra DeMella as the recipient of the 2008 Survivor Circle Award. Ms. DeMella will receive her award and a $1,000 check to be given to the charity of her choice Monday, September 22, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. during ASTRO's 50th Annual Meeting, which will take place September 21-25, 2008, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has selected renowned pediatric oncologist Audrey Evans, M.D., as its 2008 honorary member. Dr. Evans will be recognized during the Awards Ceremony held Tuesday, September 23, at 10:00 a.m. during ASTRO's 50th Annual Meeting in Boston.
Brachytherapy, also called seed implants, may be a more beneficial treatment than surgery or external beam radiation therapy for overweight or obese prostate cancer patients, according to a study published in the August issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has promoted a long-time member of its Corporate Relations Department and hired a new accounting manager in its Finance Department.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology is pleased to announce its 2008 class of ASTRO Fellows. These 30 distinguished members will receive their awards at a special ceremony during the 50th Annual Meeting to be held September 21-25, 2008, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston.
As part of its continued effort to give back to the cancer communities in the cities visited during its annual scientific meeting, the Fairfax, Va.-based American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with the Kenneth B. Schwartz Center to raise awareness of cancer survivorship. The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center conducts pioneering programs to educate, train and support caregivers in the art of compassionate healthcare.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has promoted two members of its Government Relations Department staff in recognition of their outstanding work to promote legislative policies that benefit the field of radiation oncology.
Patients with a rare type of breast cancer may benefit from receiving radiation therapy in addition to surgery to prevent recurrence, according to a study in the July issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology is pleased to announce the election results for the ASTRO Board of Directors for 2008-09. These individuals will officially begin their terms at ASTRO's 50th Annual Meeting, scheduled for September 21 through 25 in Boston.
As part of an initiative to give back to the cancer communities in the cities visited during its annual scientific meetings, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with The Wellness Community "“ Greater Boston to raise awareness of cancer survivorship issues.
Adding radiation therapy to surgery significantly improves overall survival in patients diagnosed with node-positive head and neck cancer when compared to treating with surgery alone, according to a study in the June issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology has selected the recipients of the 2008 Gold Medal, the highest honor that ASTRO bestows. Christopher Rose, M.D., FASTRO, and Joel Tepper, M.D., FASTRO, will be presented with their awards during ASTRO's 50th Annual Meeting in Boston during the Gold Medal Ceremony held on Tuesday, September 23, at 10:00 a.m.
Modern 3-D computed tomography (CT) is an effective method for locating the prostatic apex for radiation therapy treatment planning in prostate cancer patients because it eliminates the need for an invasive procedure and the related side effects, according to a study in the May 1 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology is looking to recognize a cancer survivor in the Boston area who has dedicated his or her time and energy to help others in the local community. The winner of the Survivor Circle Award will receive $1,000 and be honored at a ceremony on Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center during ASTRO's 50th Annual Scientific Meeting, an international medical meeting with more than 11,000 healthcare professionals.
A breast cancer patient's age alone should not determine whether or not she receives standard breast-conservation treatments, including a lumpectomy and radiation therapy; however, if additional health problems (comorbidities) are present, treatments should be individualized based on age and the type of comorbidities, according to a study in the April 1 edition of the International Journal for Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has received a record number of abstract submissions for the scientific program to be held at its 50th Annual Meeting taking place September 21-25, 2008, in Boston.
Using a combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography for radiation therapy treatment planning in head and neck carcinoma patients provides for excellent, local and regional disease control when compared to CT alone, according to a study in the March 1 issue of the International Journal for Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has updated its brochures Radiation Therapy for Bladder Cancer and Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer to include the most up-to-date information for patients who are deciding whether radiation therapy is the best treatment option for them.
Patients with locally advanced laryngopharyngeal cancers who receive radical chemoradiation have significantly better voice outcomes during the 12 months following treatment when compared with patients who have undergone a total laryngectomy and surgical voice restoration, according to a study in the February 1 issue of the International Journal for Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics.
Prostate cancer patients cut their risk of dying of the disease in half when they receive radiation seed implants (brachytherapy) to treat their cancer, compared to those who don't receive active treatment (watchful waiting/active surveillance), within six months from being diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, according to a study presented October 31, 2007, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 49th Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.
Women 40 years and younger with early-stage breast cancer who receive and additional high dose of radiation after undergoing breast-conserving surgery and standard radiation treatment are twice as likely to be free of cancer 10 years after treatment than those who don't receive the boost dose.
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