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Released: 29-Feb-2024 10:00 AM EST
Noteworthy studies to be presented at the 2024 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Research on patient-centered treatment of head and neck cancers will be presented at the 2024 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium, which takes place in Phoenix and online today through March 2. Media registration is available. Studies recommended by symposium leadership for media are noted below, and outside experts are available to provide commentary.

Released: 31-Jan-2024 7:45 AM EST
2024 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium to be held in Phoenix and online Feb. 29 – Mar. 2
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The 2024 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium will take place February 29 to March 2 in Phoenix and via livestream for virtual attendees.

Released: 9-Jan-2024 8:00 AM EST
Radiation oncology physician groups unite to ensure patient access to cancer care
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Today, the largest professional societies representing radiation oncology physicians in the United States announced a partnership with the goal of reforming radiation oncology Medicare payments to expand and enhance access to high quality care for people with cancer.

Released: 8-Jan-2024 2:30 PM EST
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) CEO Laura Thevenot announces 2024 retirement
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) today announced that CEO Laura Thevenot plans to retire at the end of 2024 after leading the organization since 2002. During Thevenot’s tenure at ASTRO, membership grew by over 50% to its current level of more than 10,500 physicians, biologists, physicists, radiation therapists, dosimetrists and other health care professionals. Additionally, the association’s professional staff expanded from 18 in 2002 to more than 80 currently.

Released: 6-Dec-2023 12:05 PM EST
Dr. Rachel Jimenez named editor-in-chief of Advances in Radiation Oncology, ASTRO’s open access journal
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) announced today that Rachel Jimenez, MD, will become the new editor-in-chief of Advances in Radiation Oncology, ASTRO's gold open access journal. Dr. Jimenez, an associate professor of radiation oncology at Harvard Medical School and the chair of quality and safety in radiation oncology at Mass General Cancer Center, will begin her five-year term in March 2024. Dr. Jimenez will succeed Robert C. Miller, MD, MBA, FASTRO, who has served as editor-in-chief since the journal was founded in 2015.

Released: 30-Nov-2023 10:45 AM EST
ASTRO applauds appointment of Dr. W. Kimryn Rathmell as National Cancer Institute director
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) today expressed its support for President Joe Biden’s intended appointment of W.

Released: 15-Nov-2023 11:00 AM EST
ASTRO issues patient-centered clinical guideline on partial breast irradiation for early-stage invasive breast cancer and DCIS
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issued today a clinical guideline on partial breast irradiation for patients with early-stage invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Released: 2-Nov-2023 4:05 PM EDT
Medicare physician payment final rule cements more cuts to radiation oncology, underscores need for legislative fix
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issued the following statement in response to the final 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) released today: “ASTRO is deeply disappointed that CMS finalized an additional 2% cut to reimbursement for radiation therapy in today’s MPFS final rule.

Released: 26-Oct-2023 2:05 PM EDT
ASTRO celebrates contributions to radiation oncology with 2023 Gold Medals and other awards
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recognized the recipients of its 2023 Gold Medal awards and other high-profile honors during an awards ceremony at the 65th ASTRO Annual Meeting in San Diego. Photos from the ceremony are available online.

28-Sep-2023 11:05 PM EDT
Using recent diagnostic scans can substantially cut time to treatment for patients needing urgent palliation
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Using previously taken diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scans in place of CT simulation scans to plan simple palliative radiation treatments can substantially reduce the time some people spend waiting for urgent treatment, improving the patient experience, a new study suggests.

28-Sep-2023 11:05 PM EDT
Liquid biopsy may help identify which patients with non-small cell lung cancer will benefit most from radiation
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A novel liquid biopsy test may help determine which patients with non-small cell lung cancer that has spread beyond the lungs are most likely to benefit from targeted, high-dose radiation, rather than drug-based therapy, a new study suggests.

28-Sep-2023 11:05 PM EDT
Accelerated radiation treatment could reduce head and neck cancer patient burden in low- and middle-income countries
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A type of head and neck cancer predominantly diagnosed in people who reside in low- and middle-income countries may be treated effectively with fewer, but higher doses of radiation, a large new international study suggests.

28-Sep-2023 11:05 PM EDT
Precision medicine navigators increase genomic testing rates for Black patients with prostate cancer
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The presence of a clinical navigator to act as a liaison between people with prostate cancer and the health care system greatly increases the likelihood that patients, especially Black patients, will receive advanced testing that can help predict the severity of their disease and guide treatment, a new study suggests.

28-Sep-2023 10:05 PM EDT
Short-course radiation as effective as standard treatment for patients who opt for breast reconstruction after mastectomy
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

In a first-of-its-kind study, people with breast cancer who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction immediately following a mastectomy reported that getting fewer, higher doses of radiation was just as effective as standard radiation, did not increase side effects and saved them time and money.

28-Sep-2023 10:05 PM EDT
High-dose radiation offers new treatment option for older patients with inoperable kidney tumors
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Older adults diagnosed with kidney tumors that are not suitable for surgery may benefit from targeted, high-dose radiation, a new study from Australian and Dutch researchers suggests.

28-Sep-2023 11:05 PM EDT
Sexual activity and vaginal dilation associated with fewer side effects after cervical cancer treatment
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

People who engage in sexual activity or vaginal dilation after chemoradiation treatment for cervical cancer are at lower risk for long-term side effects, according to a new study from researchers in Austria.

28-Sep-2023 11:05 PM EDT
Liquid biopsies can rapidly detect residual disease following cervical chemoradiation, study finds
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Two liquid biopsy tests that look for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the blood accurately identified patients with a high risk of cervical cancer recurrence after the completion of chemoradiation, a new study confirms.

26-Sep-2023 5:30 PM EDT
High cure rate, low toxicity maintained with shortened radiation treatment for intermediate risk prostate cancer, study finds
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

People with intermediate risk, localized prostate cancer can be treated as effectively using fewer and higher doses of radiation therapy delivered over five treatment sessions as they can with lower doses delivered over several weeks, a new phase III randomized trial suggests.

Released: 27-Sep-2023 7:00 AM EDT
Winners of the ASTRO-Sumitomo Pharma-Pfizer Alliance new combination therapy challenge announced
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) today announced the three winning research proposals for the 2022 ASTRO-Myovant Sciences (now known as Sumitomo Pharma)-Pfizer Alliance New Combination (Relugolix-Radiation) Therapy Challenge.

Released: 13-Sep-2023 7:15 AM EDT
Radiation oncology research and clinical trial results to be featured at ASTRO’s Annual Meeting in San Diego
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) announced today the 10 studies to be highlighted in the 2023 ASTRO Annual Meeting press program. Researchers will discuss their findings in news briefings held October 2 and 3 at the San Diego Convention Center and via live webcast.

Released: 7-Sep-2023 7:10 AM EDT
ASTRO President to speak at President’s Cancer Panel meeting about radiation oncology’s critical contributions to national goals
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) President Jeff Michalski, MD, MBA, FASTRO, will join today’s first stakeholder meeting of the President’s Cancer Panel. Dr. Michalski was invited to share how ASTRO and the radiation oncology community are contributing to the National Cancer Plan. Radiation therapy contributes to 40% of global cancer cures, and more than a million Americans receive radiation treatments for cancer each year.

Released: 19-Jul-2023 2:05 PM EDT
Radiation oncology leaders awarded ASTRO Fellow designation
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) selected 29 distinguished members to receive the ASTRO Fellow (FASTRO) designation for its 2023 class of Fellows. These physician leaders will be recognized at an awards ceremony in San Diego on Tuesday, October 3 during ASTRO's 65th Annual Meeting. The ASTRO Fellows program recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to the Society and to the field of radiation oncology through research, education, patient care and service to the field.

Released: 19-Jul-2023 2:00 PM EDT
Dr. Sameer Keole voted President-elect of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The members of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recently elected three new officers to ASTRO’s Board of Directors, including Sameer Keole, MD, FASTRO, as President-elect; Wendy Woodward, MD, PhD, FASTRO, as Science Council Vice Chair; and Vivek S. Kavadi, MD, MBA, FASTRO, as Health Policy Council Vice Chair.

Released: 13-Jul-2023 6:30 PM EDT
New proposed rule continues cuts to Medicare reimbursement; Legislative remedies needed to protect patients’ access to care
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issued the following statement from Geraldine M. Jacobson, MD, MBA, MPH, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors, in response to the proposed 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) released today: “Another year brings another round of cuts to radiation therapy services for people with cancer under the proposed Medicare fee schedule."

Released: 7-Jun-2023 11:55 AM EDT
PROSPECT trial expands treatment options for patients with resectable rectal cancer
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Resource Panel issued a statement today on the PROSPECT clinical trial for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. The statement clarifies that the trial did not explicitly conclude that radiation therapy should be omitted, contrary to many news reports, but rather that patients now have an additional treatment option to consider in discussions with their care team.

22-May-2023 6:00 AM EDT
Widespread staff shortages exacerbate pressures facing radiation oncology clinics; ASTRO Advocacy Day calls for action
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

More than 9 in 10 radiation oncologists report that their practices face clinical staff shortages, according to a new national survey from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). More than half (53%) of the doctors said the shortages are creating treatment delays for patients, and 44% say they are causing increased patient anxiety.

Newswise: American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) to host Annual Meeting in San Diego, October 1-4
Released: 18-May-2023 12:30 PM EDT
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) to host Annual Meeting in San Diego, October 1-4
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Registration opens today for the American Society for Radiation Oncology's (ASTRO) 65th Annual Meeting, which will be held at the San Diego Convention Center, October 1-4, 2023. Media registration is available at www.astro.org/astro2023press, and general registration is available at www.astro.org/annualmeeting.

Released: 15-May-2023 11:00 AM EDT
ASTRO strongly supports nomination of Dr. Monica Bertagnolli to lead the NIH
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) today expressed its strong support for President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s nomination of Monica Bertagnolli, MD, as director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with the following statement from Geraldine M. Jacobson, MD, MBA, MPH, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors.

Released: 25-Apr-2023 3:25 PM EDT
ASTRO and ESTRO issue clinical guideline on local therapy for oligometastatic lung cancer
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO) provides guidance on the use of definitive local therapy—including radiation and surgery—to treat patients with oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The guideline is published in Practical Radiation Oncology.

Released: 24-Apr-2023 4:05 AM EDT
ASTRO and ESTRO issue clinical guideline on local therapy for oligometastatic lung cancer
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO) provides guidance on the use of definitive local therapy—including radiation and surgery—to treat patients with oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The guideline is published in Practical Radiation Oncology.

Released: 6-Apr-2023 1:10 PM EDT
ASTRO supports CMS’ prior authorization reform for Medicare Advantage plans
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issued the following statement from Geraldine M. Jacobson, MD, MBA, MPH, FASTRO, Board of Directors Chair, in response to yesterday’s final rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that revises the Medicare Advantage prior authorization process.

Released: 8-Mar-2023 9:00 AM EST
Radiation oncology workforce expected to remain stable through 2030
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A new analysis of the U.S. radiation oncology workforce projects a relative balance between the supply of radiation oncologists and the demand for radiation therapy services through 2030. The report was produced by Health Management Associates (HMA), a consulting firm commissioned by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). It accompanies a review commentary from the ASTRO Workforce Task Force published as an article-in-press today in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics.

Released: 27-Feb-2023 9:45 AM EST
Immunotherapy costs drive increase in Medicare spending for outpatient cancer care at the end of life
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A new study finds that recent increases in Medicare spending on outpatient cancer care at the end of patients’ lives were driven almost entirely by a type of treatment given to fewer than 1 in 5 patients. Analyzing Medicare Part B claims data for 84,744 beneficiaries, researchers found that spending for this type of care rose 12% from 2015 to 2019, and that payments for immunotherapy drug costs accounted for 84% of the net increase. The study is published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics.

30-Jan-2023 7:55 AM EST
Study finds large gap in breast cancer treatment recommendations for patients aged 70 vs 69
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Age-based heuristics can lead to large differences in breast cancer treatment based on small differences in chronologic age, according to a new analysis of more than 500,000 patient records. Patients aged 70 were nearly twice as likely to be passed over for standard-of-care radiation as those aged 69. There were no similar gaps between other age pairs. The study is among the first to demonstrate an age cutoff heuristic in oncology.

Released: 20-Dec-2022 3:10 PM EST
ASTRO deeply disappointed in radiation oncology cuts and fears for stability of community-based cancer clinics
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issued the following statement from ASTRO Board of Directors Chair Geraldine Jacobson, MD, MBA, MPH, FASTRO, in response to today’s release of the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill.

   
Released: 7-Dec-2022 8:15 AM EST
ASTRO issues updated guideline on radiation therapy for endometrial cancer
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A newly updated clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) provides recommendations on the use of radiation therapy and systemic therapy after surgery to treat patients with endometrial cancer. The guideline also considers the role of surgical staging and molecular profiling techniques in determining whether a patient should receive post-operative therapy. The guideline is published in the January/February 2023 issue of Practical Radiation Oncology.

Released: 26-Oct-2022 9:00 AM EDT
ASTRO Celebrates Contributions to Radiation Oncology with 2022 Gold Medals and Other Awards
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recognized the recipients of its 2022 Gold Medal awards, its inaugural mentorship award and other high-profile honors during an awards ceremony yesterday at the 64th ASTRO Annual Meeting in San Antonio.

21-Oct-2022 7:05 AM EDT
Radiation-hormone therapy combination may slow growth of oligometastatic prostate cancer
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A new study offers a new option to patients with oligometastatic prostate cancer who want relief from hormone therapy without compromising the risk of their disease spreading. In the study, patients who received radiation in addition to intermittent hormone therapy lived longer without their disease progressing, and they were able to take longer breaks from the drug treatments. Results of the phase II trial (EXTEND; NCT03599765) will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

21-Oct-2022 7:05 AM EDT
Three-Week Course of Radiation Safe and Effective for Patients with Early-Stage Breast Cancer and Elevated Risk of Recurrence
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A three-week course of radiation therapy is as safe and effective as four to six weeks of treatment for patients with early-stage breast cancer who have a higher risk of having their tumors recur, results of a randomized phase III clinical trial show. Delivering fewer, but higher, doses of radiation following lumpectomy, while concurrently delivering a radiation boost to the surgical site, led to similar outcomes as a longer course of treatment.

21-Oct-2022 7:05 AM EDT
Adding Radiation to Systemic Therapy Extends Overall Survival for Patients with Advanced Liver Cancer
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Adding radiation therapy to systemic therapy for patients with advanced liver cancer can extend overall survival and delay tumor progression without compromising patients’ quality of life, a randomized phase III clinical trial shows.

21-Oct-2022 7:05 AM EDT
Lower Prostate Cancer Screening Rates Associated with Subsequent Increase in Advanced Cancers
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

In the face of conflicting evidence over the risks and benefits of routine prostate cancer screenings, a large, longitudinal analysis found Veterans Health Administration (VA) medical centers with lower prostate screening rates had higher rates of metastatic prostate cancer cases in subsequent years than centers with higher screening rates.

21-Oct-2022 7:05 AM EDT
AI model using daily step counts predicts unplanned hospitalizations during cancer therapy
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

An artificial intelligence (AI) model developed by researchers can predict the likelihood that a patient may have an unplanned hospitalization during their radiation treatments for cancer. The machine-learning model uses daily step counts as a proxy to monitor patients’ health as they go through cancer therapy, offering clinicians a real-time method to provide personalized care. Findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

21-Oct-2022 7:05 AM EDT
Radiation Therapy for High-Risk, Asymptomatic Bone Metastases May Prevent Pain and Prolong Life
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Treating high-risk, asymptomatic bone metastases with radiation may reduce painful complications and hospitalizations and possibly extend overall survival in people whose cancer has spread to multiple sites, a phase II clinical trial suggests. Results of the multicenter, randomized trial (NCT03523351) will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

21-Oct-2022 7:05 AM EDT
Medical Physicist Consults with Patients Can Help Reduce Anxiety and Increase Satisfaction with Radiation Care
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Meeting with a medical physicist who can explain how radiation therapy is planned and delivered reduces patient anxiety and increases patient satisfaction throughout the treatment process, according to a new study published today in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics. Findings of the randomized, prospective phase III clinical trial also will be presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

21-Oct-2022 7:05 AM EDT
FLASH Radiation Therapy Shows Promise in First-in-Human Trial
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

FLASH radiation treatment – which delivers therapeutic doses of radiation in a fraction of a second – may hold promise as a potential treatment for tough-to-kill tumors, a first-in-human study in a small number of people with bone cancer suggests.

21-Oct-2022 7:05 AM EDT
Shortened Course of Radiation Therapy Safe and Effective for Men with High-Risk Prostate Cancer
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A new randomized study confirms that men with high-risk prostate cancer can be treated with five versus eight weeks of radiation therapy.

21-Oct-2022 6:05 AM EDT
Sexual Side Effects of Cancer Treatment Often Unaddressed with Female Patients
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A new study finds that sexual side effects of cancer treatment are discussed far less frequently with female patients than with male patients, even when the treatment directly affects sex organs.

Newswise: Radiation oncology research and clinical trial results to be featured at ASTRO’s Annual Meeting in San Antonio
Released: 4-Oct-2022 8:10 AM EDT
Radiation oncology research and clinical trial results to be featured at ASTRO’s Annual Meeting in San Antonio
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) announced today the 10 studies that will be highlighted in the 2022 ASTRO Annual Meeting press program. Researchers will discuss their findings in two news briefings to be held October 24 and 25 in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio and via live webcast. Reporters can register for the meeting at astro.org/annualmeetingpress.

Released: 14-Sep-2022 1:25 PM EDT
ASTRO Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Prior Authorization Burden and Treatment Delays
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

On behalf of the nation's radiation oncologists and the more than one million people with cancer they will treat this year, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) applauded today's House passage of bipartisan federal legislation that would rein in restrictive prior authorization practices that delay patient access to critical cancer treatments.



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