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Radiation oncologists today expressed serious concerns about a new private insurance coverage policy that could undermine patient-centered care for two of the most common cancers in the United States. Leaders of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) urge eviCore, a radiation oncology benefits management company, to halt and make meaningful changes to a new policy for radiation therapy coverage. Under the new policy, EviCore mandates that most breast and prostate cancer treatments use a shorter, hypofractionated radiation therapy regimen even if it runs counter to a physician’s clinical recommendation.

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In response to today’s announcement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish an advanced alternative payment model (APM) for radiation oncology practices starting January 1, 2021, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issued the following statement from Theodore L. DeWeese, MD, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors.

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected 19 distinguished members to receive the ASTRO Fellow (FASTRO) designation. The 2020 class of Fellows will be recognized at a virtual awards ceremony on October 27 during ASTRO’s 62nd Annual Meeting.

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The members of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) have elected four new officers to ASTRO’s Board of Directors. Geraldine Jacobson, MD, MPH, MBA, FASTRO, will begin her term as President-elect in October during ASTRO’s 62nd Annual Meeting.

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology's (ASTRO) 62nd Annual Meeting, will be held October 25-28 via an interactive virtual platform. The meeting, Global Oncology: Radiation Therapy in a Changing World, will feature reports from the latest clinical trials; panels on global oncology, health disparities and the novel coronavirus; and an immersive attendee experience in a virtual convention center. Media resources are available at www.astro.org/astro2020press.

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A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) provides recommendations for radiation therapy to treat patients with nonmetastatic cervical cancer. The guideline outlines indications and best practices for EBRT and brachytherapy in postoperative and definitive settings, and it also addresses chemotherapy and surgery when used in combination with radiation. The guideline is published online in Practical Radiation Oncology.

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Despite facing challenges such as limited access to PPE during the COVID-19 outbreak, radiation oncology clinics quickly implemented safety enhancements that allowed them to continue caring for cancer patients, according to a new national survey from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). All 222 physician leaders in the survey collected April 16-30 said their practices continued to provide radiation therapy, yet 85% also reported declines in patient visits, and by an average of one-third.

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A targeted therapy drug used for breast and kidney cancers may also extend progression-free survival for patients with advanced head and neck cancer who are at high risk for recurrence after standard treatment. Patients enrolled in a randomized phase II trial who received the mTOR inhibitor everolimus were more likely to be cancer-free a year after therapy than those who took a placebo drug, and the benefit persisted for those with mutations in their TP53 gene.

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A new clinical trial suggests that immunotherapy given before other treatments for oral cavity cancers can elicit an immune response that shrinks tumors, which could provide long-term benefit for patients. In the randomized trial, two neoadjuvant doses of nivolumab given with or without ipilimumab led to complete or partial tumor shrinkage in most cases and did not delay any patients from continuing on to standard treatment. Findings will be presented at the 2020 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium.

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A new phase II trial finds that a combination of radiation therapy and immunotherapy led to encouraging survival outcomes and acceptable toxicity for patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The combination of radiation and pembrolizumab may offer a new treatment option for patients who are ineligible for cisplatin chemotherapy, part of standard treatment for the disease. Findings will be presented at the 2020 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium.

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recently welcomed H. Timothy Hsiao, Ph.D., as its new Director of Scientific Affairs, where he will provide strategic leadership to advance the impact of research and innovation in radiation oncology through ASTRO's research funding, fellowships, workshops and scientific collaborations with public and private partners.

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has been awarded a new one-year contract from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop quality indicators (QI) for radiation treatments provided to veterans with head and neck, breast and gastrointestinal cancers.

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A study published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics finds that patients who celebrate the end of cancer treatment by ringing a bell report more distressful memories of treatment than those who finish without ringing a bell.

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) announced today that Robert Amdur, MD, will become the new Editor in Chief of Practical Radiation Oncology, ASTRO's clinical practice journal. Dr. Amdur, a professor of radiation oncology at the University of Florida College of Medicine, will begin his five-year term on January 1, 2021.

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Numerous studies have shown that monitoring physical activity promotes better health – from reducing body mass index to watching for signs of hypertension, for example. A new study suggests step counters could play yet another role: predicting outcomes for people undergoing chemoradiation therapy for lung cancer.

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) applauded the U.S. Senate for voting today to confirm radiation oncologist Stephen Hahn, MD, FASTRO, as the next Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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A new clinical guideline from ASTRO provides recommendations on the use of radiation therapy to treat patients diagnosed with the most common types of skin cancers. The guideline details when radiation treatments are appropriate as stand-alone therapy or following surgery for BCC and cSCC, and it suggests dosing and fractionation.

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) expressed its support after the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions voted today to approve the nomination of radiation oncologist Stephen Hahn, MD, FASTRO, as the next Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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One in three adults treated for cancer may experience side effects from treatment they wish they had known more about, according to a new survey published in the Journal of Oncology Practice. The national survey of more than 400 U.S. adults, which was sponsored by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), also found that nine in 10 patients felt they made the right treatment decision despite the desire for more information about treatment side effects.

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Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle issued a series of oversight letters to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in recent months to urge the Agency to adjust its proposed radiation oncology advanced alternative payment model (RO Model). CMS is expected to issue its final determination before the end of 2019.

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) today expressed strong support for the nomination of radiation oncologist Stephen Hahn, MD, FASTRO, as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Hahn served on the ASTRO Board of Directors from 2014 to 2018.

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Two new studies support and inform the use of proton radiation therapy to treat patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common but often fatal type of liver cancer for which there are limited treatment options. The studies were published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics, the flagship scientific journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recently released seven updated practice parameters for medical providers who use radiation therapy to treat patients with cancer. The updated practice parameters synthesize the clinical best practices that describe recommended procedures and considerations for the safe delivery of radiation in specific areas of clinical practice.

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recognized the recipients of its 2019 Gold Medal awards and other high-profile honors at the 61st ASTRO Annual Meeting in Chicago. View/download photos from the September 17 awards ceremony online.

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Treating high-risk heart patients with a single, high dose of radiation therapy can dramatically reduce episodes of rapid, abnormal heartbeats for more than two years, offering hope to patients who have exhausted other treatment options. Findings were presented at the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

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A new analysis of survival data for the randomized, phase III PACIFIC trial finds adding the immunotherapy cancer drug durvalumab to radiation and chemotherapy significantly decreased the recurrence of lung cancer both in the chest area and in distant sites outside the chest. The update, which provides greater insight into the landmark study that changed the standard of care for patients with stage 3 unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), were presented at the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

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A randomized clinical trial of targeted, high-dose radiation for men with oligometastatic prostate cancer has shown the treatment to be an effective and safe option for patients who wish to delay hormone-suppression therapy. The phase II trial found that radiation therapy can generate an immune system response not previously believed possible in this type of cancer. Findings were presented at the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

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Whole breast radiation and partial breast radiation following a lumpectomy yield similar cosmetic outcomes for women diagnosed with early stages of cancer who wish to preserve their breasts. Findings of the new analysis from a phase III clinical trial were presented at the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

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Adding precisely aimed, escalated doses of radiation after patients no longer respond to immunotherapy reinvigorates the immune system in some patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), increasing progression-free survival (PFS). Findings of the phase II randomized trial were presented at the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

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Following the closure of nearly 100 women’s health clinics across the United States from 2010 to 2013, fewer women were screened for cervical cancer, more women were diagnosed with advanced stages of the disease and mortality rates rose. Findings from a new analysis combining several nationwide datasets were presented at the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

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For the first time, a sophisticated computer model has been shown to accurately predict two of the most challenging side effects associated with radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. This precision oncology approach has the potential to better identify patients who might benefit from early interventions that may help to prevent significant weight loss after treatment or reduce the need for feeding tube placement. Findings were presented at the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

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A secondary analysis of a recent clinical trial that changed the standard of care for men with recurring prostate cancer finds long-term hormone therapy does more harm than good for many men and calls for rethinking treatment guidelines based on a patient’s post-operative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Findings were presented at the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

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In response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) request for comment on their proposed advanced alternative payment model (APM) for radiation oncology, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) submitted comments and issued the following statement today from Paul Harari, MD, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors.

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Based on news reports indicating that radiation oncologist Stephen Hahn, MD, FASTRO, Chief Medical Executive of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, is being considered for Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

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A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) provides recommendations on the use of radiation therapy to treat patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) announced today the top-rated studies to be highlighted in the press program for the 2019 ASTRO Annual Meeting. Researchers will present their findings in three news briefings being held September 15 through 17 in room W474B of McCormick Place in Chicago and via live webcast.

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected 26 distinguished members to receive the ASTRO Fellow (FASTRO) designation. The 2019 class of Fellows will be recognized in September during ASTRO’s 61st Annual Meeting in Chicago.

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The members of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) have elected four new officers to ASTRO’s Board of Directors. Laura Dawson, MD, FASTRO, will begin her term as President-elect in September during ASTRO’s 61st Annual Meeting in Chicago, alongside Neha Vapiwala, MD, the new Secretary/Treasurer-elect; Constantine Mantz, MD, the new Health Policy Council Vice-chair; and Brian Marples, PhD, the new Science Council Vice-chair.

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In response to today’s announcement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to propose an advanced alternative payment model (APM) for radiation oncology, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issued the following statement from Paul Harari, MD, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors. (Press kit available at www.astro.org/APMpress.)

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) will host its 61st Annual Meeting at McCormick Place in Chicago, September 15-18, 2019. The meeting will feature updates on clinical trials, cancer research and new approaches that involve radiation therapy in cancer treatment. Complimentary registration is offered for credentialed news professionals who wish to cover the meeting.

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Michael Kuettel, MD, MBA, PhD, FASTRO, a member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Board of Directors, has been appointed to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment (HOP).

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American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) applauds introduction of the The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2019

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and the American Urological Association (AUA) today announced updates to their joint clinical guideline on adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy after prostatectomy in patients with and without evidence of prostate cancer recurrence to include new published research related to adjuvant radiotherapy.

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Radiation oncologists have come to Capitol Hill today to urge Congress to support policies that safeguard cancer patients’ access to high-quality, value-based health care. The doctors will meet with Congressional leaders during the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Advocacy Day.

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Restrictive prior authorization practices cause unnecessary delays and interference in care decisions for cancer patients, according to a new survey of nearly 700 radiation oncologists — physicians who treat cancer patients using radiation— released today by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). Experts will discuss the findings at an online press briefing at 9:30 am ET on Thursday, April 25.

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In the wake of Hurricane Maria, radiation oncologists from the mainland United States and Puerto Rico prepared a set of crisis-planning tips for radiation therapy clinics to minimize gaps in cancer treatment after a catastrophic event. Their emergency preparedness suggestions were published online April 15 in Practical Radiation Oncology.

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Experts from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the National Coalition of Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) will discuss restrictive prior authorization practices and the unnecessary burden they cause for cancer patients during an online press briefing on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern. Register at http://bit.ly/ASTROPriorAuthBriefing.

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A new study finds wide state-by-state variations in Medicaid reimbursements to physicians who treat cancer patients with radiation therapies. These differences could compound existing disparities in access to health care in rural communities, which tend to have higher Medicaid coverage rates than metropolitan areas.

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) hailed today’s introduction of federal legislation that would accelerate health care payment reform, reduce Medicare costs and better protect patients by closing an expensive loophole in the physician self-referral law. ASTRO called on Congress to support health care delivery and payment reform by passing the Promoting Integrity in Medicare Act of 2019 (PIMA; H.R. 2143), introduced by Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) and Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.).

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The newest study of America’s radiation oncology workforce finds that gender and race gaps have narrowed slightly, although persistent and growing geographic disparities point to a need for more equity in access to radiation therapy care. Results of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) 2017 Radiation Oncologist Workforce Study are published in the March issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics (Red Journal), and an infographic summarizing the results is also available.