History

ASTRO's roots date back slightly more than a half-century. It all began in the mid-1950s, when America's radiotherapists started gathering at a Chicago restaurant each November or December while attending the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). In 1955, some of the most important people practicing radiation therapy in the United States met at Barney's Market Club on Randolph Street. Thus was formed the nucleus for what would become the largest and most influential society of radiation oncologists in the world.

Society History Radiation therapy was little more than a half-century old when the American Club of Therapeutic Radiologists, now known as ASTRO, was founded in 1958. Read a narrative of the Society's history.

History Interviews In 2003, the History Committee began conducting interviews of luminaries in radiation oncology as a way of collecting Society and field history. Read about some of the greatest names in radiation oncology history.

A Historical Timeline A recap of the major milestones impacting the evolution of radiation oncology.

History Book In 2008, the History Committee published the book ASTRO: A Celebration of 50 Years to preserve the first 50 years of the Society.