http://www.astro.org/pressroom/newsreleases/ Press releases 24 Nov 2008 11:16:00 EST en-us http://www.astro.org/images/newsrelease.gif http://www.astro.org/pressroom/newsreleases/ 90 38 http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/NewHireResearchHP.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/NewHireResearchHP.pdf 15 Mar 2010 11:15:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has hired an assistant director of health policy and a research health analyst, adding to the vast talent in its Research and Health Policy departments. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/ADtravelgrant.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/ADtravelgrant.pdf 12 Mar 2010 08:15:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded 17 residents in radiation oncology and radiation oncology nurses travel grants to attend the Society’s seventh annual Advocacy Day taking place March 21-23, 2010, in Washington. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/radsafetyquestionsPR.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/radsafetyquestionsPR.pdf 09 Mar 2010 08:15:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has published a list of radiation safety questions for cancer patients and their caregivers to ask their doctor about the quality assurance protocols of their radiation therapy treatments. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/March1.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/March1.pdf 08 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST Prostate-specific dietary supplements should not be taken during radiation therapy treatments because they have been shown to increase the radiosensitivity of normal prostate cell lines, leading to normal tissue complications, according to a study in the March issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/WilliamsHearingPR.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/WilliamsHearingPR.pdf 26 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST Tim R. Williams, M.D., Chairman of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), testified today before the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee about the safety and effectiveness of radiation therapy. During the hearing, Dr. Williams shared ASTRO’s recently adopted Target Safely plan to improve patient safety and improve quality, and educated the subcommittee about the members of the radiation treatment team, the education and training they receive, and ASTRO’s ongoing efforts to decrease medical radiation errors and increase patient safety. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/PressKit/HeadAndNeck/documents/MediaEdSessionAlert.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/PressKit/HeadAndNeck/documents/MediaEdSessionAlert.pdf 23 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST Exclusive media briefing by medical experts on HPV-related head and neck cancer, including a patient perspective, from the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium. Much of the discussion about HPV has been about its impact on gynecologic cancers. However, new research has shown HPV to be a significant contributor to many oral and head and neck cancers, too. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/PressKit/HeadAndNeck/documents/NewsbriefingAlert.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/PressKit/HeadAndNeck/documents/NewsbriefingAlert.pdf 22 Feb 2010 11:31:00 EST The Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium, sponsored by AHNS, ASCO, ASTRO and SNM, will host two news briefings on top head and neck cancer research from its meeting February 25-27, 2010, in Phoenix. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/February1.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/February1.pdf 4 Feb 2010 19:41:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) have released practice guidelines for image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in the February issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of ASTRO. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/RadiationSafetyPR.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/RadiationSafetyPR.pdf 3 Feb 2010 17:14:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology has committed to a six-point patient protection plan that will improve safety and quality and reduce the chances of medical errors, ASTRO Board Chairman Tim R. Williams, M.D., said today. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/IHEROgrant.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/IHEROgrant.pdf 27 Jan 2010 21:14:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology’s Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise – Radiation Oncology (IHE-RO) program has been awarded a $680,000 Biomedical Research Award from the state of Florida for two years beginning January 1, 2010, to expedite the development of interoperability standards and build test tools software to accomplish interoperability goals in the field of radiation oncology to reduce medical errors. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-letter-to-the-new-york-times-january-25-2010.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-letter-to-the-new-york-times-january-25-2010.aspx 25 Jan 2010 14:33:00 EST Even one error is too many and ASTRO continuously works to strengthen the radiation oncology safety culture. We are at the forefront by providing quality assurance tools, hands-on training for sophisticated treatments like IMRT, guidelines on treatment use, new technology assessments and accreditation. ASTRO leads an international coalition improving equipment interconnectivity to prevent errors. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/HONcodecompliant.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/HONcodecompliant.pdf 07 Jan 2010 15:33:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology’s (ASTRO) patient Web site, RTanswers.org, is now HONcode compliant in accordance with the Health on the Net Foundation’s Code of Conduct. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/January1Release.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/January1Release.pdf 05 Jan 2010 09:22:00 EST Sexual function in prostate cancer patients receiving external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) decreases within the first two years after treatment but then stabilizes and does not continuously decline as was previously thought, according to a study in the January 1 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/IHERO3rdConnectathon.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/IHERO3rdConnectathon.pdf 16 Dec 2009 07:33:00 EST ASTRO is pleased to announce that nine radiation oncology equipment manufacturers passed at least one portion of interoperability at its third Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise – Radiation Oncology (IHE-RO) Connectathon. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/December1.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/December1.pdf 02 Dec 2009 11:15:00 EST Prostate cancer patients who have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value of less than or equal to 1.5 at two years after external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) are less likely to have a cancer recurrence and cancer-related death, according to a study in the December 1 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/2009MarComAwards.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/2009MarComAwards.pdf 01 Dec 2009 13:50:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has won a Gold Award in the 2009 MarCom Awards competition for the summer 2009 issue of ASTROnews, ASTRO’s quarterly magazine. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/November15PR.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/November15PR.pdf 20 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST Radiation therapy is effective in achieving local control and palliation in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNTs), despite such tumors being commonly considered resistant to radiation therapy, according to a largest of its kind study in the November 15 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/RTAnswersredesign.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/RTAnswersredesign.pdf 11 Nov 2009 15:10:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has launched a redesigned version of its patient Web site, RTanswers.org. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/FinalrulePR.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/FinalrulePR.pdf 02 Nov 2009 15:10:00 EST ASTRO, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, today praised the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for limiting the payment reductions initially proposed for radiation oncology and spreading the remaining cuts over four years. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/PressKit/AnnualMeeting/documents/WebcastAlert.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/PressKit/AnnualMeeting/documents/WebcastAlert.pdf 28 Oct 2009 19:40:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) will host four news briefings with accompanying live webcasts on the top cancer research papers from its 51st Annual Meeting. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/PressKit/AnnualMeeting/documents/ASTROTeaser.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/PressKit/AnnualMeeting/documents/ASTROTeaser.pdf 26 Oct 2009 07:40:00 EST The following are highlights of new cancer research being presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s (ASTRO) 51st Annual Meeting on November 1-5, 2009, in Chicago. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/SCAwinnerPR.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/SCAwinnerPR.pdf 20 Oct 2009 12:10:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology has selected Gunnery Sgt. Edward Schrank as its 2009 Survivor Circle Award winner. Schrank will be presented with his award and $1,000 during the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, during ASTRO’s 51st Annual Meeting taking place November 1-5, 2009, at McCormick Place West in Chicago. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/NurseExcellencewinner.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/NurseExcellencewinner.pdf 16 Oct 2009 09:25:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected Carrie Daly, A.P.N., of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago as the recipient of the 2009 ASTRO Nurse Excellence Award, which is awarded to a registered nurse who goes above and beyond the normal standards of nursing practice. Daly will be presented with her award, a $1,000 grant, during the nurse’s welcome and orientation luncheon being held Sunday, November 1, 2009, during ASTRO’s 51st Annual Meeting in Chicago. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/HalosofHope.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/HalosofHope.pdf 14 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST As part of its continued effort to give back to the communities in the cities visited during its annual scientific meeting, the Fairfax, Va.-based American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with Halos of Hope to raise awareness of cancer survivorship. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/GildasClubPR.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/GildasClubPR.pdf 08 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST As part of an initiative to give back to the communities in the cities visited during its annual scientific meetings, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with Gilda’s Club Chicago to raise awareness of cancer survivorship issues. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/AMAwardsGrants09.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/AMAwardsGrants09.pdf 07 Oct 2009 16:40:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has announced the recipients of several Annual Meeting awards. Recipients will receive their honors during ASTRO’s 51st Annual Meeting in Chicago, being held November 1-5, 2009. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/AwardsandGrants09.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/AwardsandGrants09.pdf 02 Oct 2009 09:40:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has announced the recipients of two grants funded by the Radiation Oncology Institute – the Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award and the Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award. Winners were selected by ASTRO’s Research Evaluation Committee. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/SenateLetterPR.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/SenateLetterPR.pdf 25 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) applauds Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and 30 of their Senate colleagues for spearheading efforts to protect access to life-saving treatments for the nation’s cancer patients by asking Medicare to stop proposed cuts to cancer care. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/MagnumOpus.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/MagnumOpus.pdf 16 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has been awarded a 2009 Magnum Opus Award for outstanding achievement in custom media for its 2008 Annual Report, which received the bronze award in the Best Overall Design 1-3 color Print Annual Report category. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/CMS2009PR.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/CMS2009PR.pdf 02 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST ASTRO, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, submitted official comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) asking it to stop its proposed changes to the Medicare policies and payment rates for physician services, including radiation oncology, that would cut radiation therapy services by nearly 20 percent. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/September1.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/September1.pdf 02 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST Moderately to severely obese prostate cancer patients may have improved treatment outcomes when treated with image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) over traditional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) because IGRT corrects for prostate shifts, which, if not planned for, can lead to incorrect doses of radiation to the disease site, 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 Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/2009elections.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/2009elections.pdf 01 Sep 2009 12:10:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/utilizrate.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/utilizrate.pdf 14 Aug 2009 8:45:00 EST 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). http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/August1.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/August1.pdf 13 Aug 2009 8:45:00 EST 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). http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/Fellows.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/Fellows.pdf 29 Jul 2009 8:45:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/CMSCutsPR.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/CMSCutsPR.pdf 27 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/LeeVA.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/LeeVA.pdf 22 Jul 2009 7:45:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/HonoraryMember.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/HonoraryMember.pdf 21 Jul 2009 15:45:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/July15.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/July15.pdf 15 Jul 2009 7:45:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/July1.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/July1.pdf 02 Jul 2009 11:01:00 EST 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). http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/SCGrant.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/SCGrant.pdf 25 Jun 2009 8:45:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/09comaward.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/09comaward.pdf 22 Jun 2009 8:15:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has been honored with three Communicator Awards for its work on the Radiation Therapy for Cancer brochure, ASTROnews and the 2008 Annual Report. All three ASTRO publications were recognized with Awards of Excellence and awarded the Gold Communicator Award, which is the highest honor that the Communicator Awards bestows. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/09GoldMed.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/09GoldMed.pdf 17 Jun 2009 8:15:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected Theodore Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D., FASTRO, and William Shipley, M.D., FASTRO, as its 2009 Gold Medal recipients, the highest honor that ASTRO bestows. Dr. Lawrence and Dr. Shipley will be presented with their awards at the Gold Medal Ceremony being held November 3, 2009, at 10:45 a.m. during ASTRO’s 51st Annual Meeting in Chicago. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/June1.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/June1.pdf 02 Jun 2009 8:15:00 EST 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 official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/RTforCancer.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/RTforCancer.pdf 29 May 2009 08:15:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/HermesAward.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/HermesAward.pdf 06 May 2009 08:15:00 EST Three publications produced by the American Society for Radiation Oncology can add another award to their growing list of achievements. The 2008 Annual Report, ASTROnews and the Radiation Therapy for Cancer brochure were awarded 2009 Hermes Creative Awards. This is the third year in a row that ASTRO publications have earned this honor. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/CRABrochure.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/CRABrochure.pdf 13 Apr 2009 14:15:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has published a new patient brochure, Radiation Therapy for Cancers of the Colon, Rectum and Anus. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/SRTbrochure.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/SRTbrochure.pdf 06 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has recently updated its popular patient brochure, Plain Talk for Radiation Therapy Patients: Stereotactic Radiation. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/April1.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/April1.pdf 01 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST 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). http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/SCAwardPR.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/SCAwardPR.pdf 30 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is looking to recognize a cancer survivor in the Chicago 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 at McCormick Place West in Chicago during ASTRO’s 51th Annual Scientific Meeting, an international medical meeting where about 12,000 healthcare professionals are expected to be in attendance. The meeting will be in Chicago November 1-5 this year. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/CAC.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/CAC.pdf 16 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is pleased to announce that Calypso Medical, Standard Imaging and Varian Medical Systems have been elected to serve three-year terms on ASTRO’s Corporate Advisory Council. PTW New York was also elected to serve the balance of a term vacated by Carestream Health. These companies were elected by ASTRO’s corporate membership and were approved by the ASTRO Board of Directors. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/March15.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/March15.pdf 16 Mar 2009 07:56:00 EST 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, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/AAAaward.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/AAAaward.pdf 06 Mar 2009 09:10:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has been selected as one of only 21 organizations nationwide to receive an Award of Excellence in the first round of the 2009 Associations Advance America (AAA) Awards, which is a national competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives and the Center for Association Leadership in Washington. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/March1.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/March1.pdf 04 Mar 2009 13:10:00 EST 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, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/Budget.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/Budget.pdf 27 Feb 2009 12:55:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) applauds President Obama’s healthcare reform priorities set forth in his February 26, 2009, budget blueprint, particularly the President’s promise to double funding for cancer research and close loopholes that are weakening the Medicare program. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/BreastUpdate.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/BreastUpdate.pdf 26 Feb 2009 13:41:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has recently updated its popular patient brochure, Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer. Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer is a four-color brochure that helps women understand the types of radiation therapy they may be offered, including newer treatments like three-dimensional radiation therapy (3DCRT), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and breast brachytherapy. The brochure also explains possible side effects, how to get more information on clinical trials and support groups, and offers tips for caring for yourself during treatment. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/IHERO.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/IHERO.pdf 24 Feb 2009 14:22:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology will host a connectathon at its headquarters in Fairfax, Va., this September as part of the Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise – Radiation Oncology (IHE-RO) initiative to promote seamless connectivity and integration of radiotherapy equipment and patient health information systems. The goal of this multi-year project is to reduce medical errors and improve efficiency by allowing physicians to purchase the best equipment for their practices, regardless of the manufacturer. This connectathon will be the final step in a process that has included vendor development, software testing and real-time interconnectivity testing. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/ARROelection.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/ARROelection.pdf 05 Feb 2009 10:28:00 EST The Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology, ARRO, has elected three new members to its Executive Committee. Karen L. De Amorim Bernstein, M.D., of Albert Einstein College in Bronx, N.Y.; Luqman Dad, M.D., of Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y.; and Vinai Gondi, M.D., of the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis., will each serve two-year terms. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/February1.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewsReleases/documents/February1.pdf 04 Feb 2009 10:28:00 EST Reporting of radiation therapy details in randomized controlled trials for Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is deficient due to a lack of reporting of key radiation therapy descriptors and quality assurance processes designed to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of treatment regimens, according to a February 1 study in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology* Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewReleases/documents/ROHillBriefing.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewReleases/documents/ROHillBriefing.pdf 28 Jan 2009 10:28:00 EST A group of radiation oncology providers, manufacturers and patient groups today gathered to raise awareness about one of the least understood cancer treatments: radiation therapy. Every year, more than 1 million cancer patients receive radiation treatment. In a patient’s personal war against cancer, new and improved technologies are aiding the fight by allowing more targeted radiation to cure cancer, control the growth of cancer or relieve pain and other cancer symptoms. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewReleases/documents/namechange.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewReleases/documents/namechange.pdf 06 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST After 26 years as the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, ASTRO is changing its name to the American Society for Radiation Oncology. With its new name, ASTRO has also unveiled a new logo that will keep the acronym ASTRO by having the “T” represent ASTRO’s tagline, "Targeting Cancer Care." http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewReleases/documents/January1.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2009NewReleases/documents/January1.pdf 02 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST 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, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/MarComAwards.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/MarComAwards.pdf 01 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has received three 2008 MarCom Awards for its work on its 2008 Annual Report, ASTROnews and The Radiation Oncology Treatment Team brochure. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/ACRASTROPA.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/ACRASTROPA.pdf 26 Nov 2008 11:20:00 EST The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and the American College of Radiology have announced a new partnership for radiation oncology practice accreditation that builds on the ACR’s current successful program that has served as the industry standard for more than 20 years. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/November15.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/November15.pdf 25 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST 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, the official journal of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/November1.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/November1.pdf 19 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST For breast cancer patients who underwent a mastectomy who undergo radiation therapy after immediate breast reconstruction, autologous tissue reconstruction provides fewer long-term complications and better cosmetic results than tissue expander and implant reconstruction, according to a study in the November issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/EdSession.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/EdSession.pdf 19 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST Exclusive media briefings on the latest research in lung cancer, hosted by the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the University of Chicago. The briefing will be available live via Webcast for journalists not on site (see below). http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/NewsBriefing.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/NewsBriefing.pdf 10 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST The 2008 Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium in Thoracic Oncology, sponsored by ASTRO, ASCO, IASLC and the University of Chicago, will host two news briefings on top lung cancer research from its meeting November 13-15, 2008, in Chicago. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/AMattendance.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/AMattendance.pdf 30 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology welcomed 12,487 people to its 50th Annual Meeting held September 21- 25, 2008, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and featured 114,200 net square feet of exhibit space – a 714 person and 4,900 square feet increase over last year, respectively. Both the attendance numbers and Exhibit Hall square footage are also all-time highs for an ASTRO Annual Meeting. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/nurseaward.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/nurseaward.pdf 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has selected Peggy Wiederholt, R.N., as the inaugural winner of the ASTRO Nurse Excellence Award, which is awarded to a registered nurse who goes above and beyond the normal standards of nursing practice. Ms. Wiederholt was presented with her award, a $1,000 grant, at the nurses’ welcome and orientation luncheon held Sunday, September 21, 2008, at 12:00 p.m. during ASTRO’s 50th Annual Meeting in Boston. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Katz.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Katz.pdf 23 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Fox.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Fox.pdf 23 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Hoffman.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Hoffman.pdf 23 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Lin-Heron.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Lin-Heron.pdf 23 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST The number of newly-diagnosed cancer patients age 65 and older who are enrolled in Medicare’s Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans has increased by 6 percent within the past four years, and is shown to limit patients’ participation in clinical trials because they believe they cannot afford the plan’s out-of-pocket expense, according to a first-of-its-kind study presented September 23, 2008, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology’s 50th Annual Meeting in Boston. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Chang.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Chang.pdf 22 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Whelan.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Whelan.pdf 22 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Widmark.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Widmark.pdf 22 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Walker.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Walker.pdf 22 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Tarbell.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Tarbell.pdf 22 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Beitsch.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/Beitsch.pdf 22 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST 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 earlystage 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/SebagMontefiore.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/SebagMontefiore.pdf 22 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST 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. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/FitzGerald.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2008NewReleases/documents/FitzGerald.pdf 21 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST 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.