The 2025 ASTRO Annual Meeting, taking place from September 27 to October 1 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, is a global hub for radiation oncology professionals to share knowledge, spark collaborations, and shape the future of cancer care. Curated by the ASTRO International Committee, this year’s international offerings are tailored to inspire and empower attendees from over 80 countries. With cutting-edge scientific sessions, vibrant networking events, and opportunities to extend the meeting’s impact globally, here’s why the 2025 Annual Meeting is unmissable for anyone passionate about global oncology.
International Track: Pioneering Solutions for Global Oncology
The International Track features a dynamic lineup of sessions that blend groundbreaking research with practical strategies for diverse health care settings. These sessions address critical challenges and opportunities in global oncology:
- International 01 – Bridging the Gap: Translating the Latest Research into Clinical Practice in Latin America (Presented in Spanish)
Sunday, September 28, 2:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Learn how to adapt cutting-edge research to enhance clinical outcomes in Latin American contexts. - International 02 – Establishing a Global Oncology Program: Overcoming Challenges, Leveraging Opportunities, and Learning from Success
Sunday, September 28, 4:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Discover proven strategies for building impactful global oncology programs. - Storytelling 01 – Radiotherapy in Conflict Zones: Stories of Struggles, Resilience, and Hope
Monday, September 29, 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Be inspired by powerful stories of delivering radiotherapy in conflict-affected regions. - International 03 – ASTRO/ESTRO Joint Session: FLASH Radiotherapy – From Benchside Breakthroughs to Bedside Strategies
Monday, September 29, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Explore the revolutionary potential of FLASH radiotherapy and its path to clinical practice. - International 04 – Global Pediatric Radiation Therapy in Resource-limited Settings
Tuesday, September 30, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Address the challenges of delivering pediatric radiation therapy in low-resource environments. - International 05 – International Guidelines and High-quality Standards for Treating Patients with GYN Cancers – Implementation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Tuesday, September 30, 2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Discuss strategies for implementing high-quality gynecologic cancer care in resource-constrained settings.
Don’t miss the KASTRO/KOSRO Joint Session: Radiation Therapy for Nonmalignant Disease (Tuesday, September 30, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.), offering transcontinental perspectives on emerging indications from Korea and the United States.
Networking That Inspires: Key Events for International Attendees
The Annual Meeting is a catalyst for global connections, offering events designed to foster collaboration and mentorship:
- International Breakfast: A Global Gathering
Monday, September 29, 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m., Room 301-304
Exclusive to international attendees, this event is a unique opportunity to network with peers from over 80 countries while enjoying breakfast. Hear updates from ASTRO leadership, including ASTRO President Sameer Keole, MD, FASTRO; ASTRO CEO Vivek Kavadi, MD, MBA, FASTRO; and International Committee leaders: Chair Surbhi Grover, MD, MPH; Vice-chair Tamer Refaat, MD, PhD; International Education Subcommittee Chair Dayssy Alexandra Diaz Pardo, MD; and International Research and Innovation Subcommittee Chair Zachary Morris, MD, PhD. Celebrate the historic inauguration of the first-ever ASTRO Ambassadors and learn about transformative initiatives shaping global oncology. - Speed Mentoring: Connect with Experts
Sunday, September 28, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Engage in small-group discussions with leading experts to explore critical topics and build lasting connections. Sessions include:- Building Clinical and Research Collaborations Across Borders – Anuja Jhingran, MD, FASTRO, and Simon Lo, MD
- How to Get Started in Research, Finding Mentors – Surbhi Grover, MD, MPH, and Zachary Morris, MD
- Locating Clinical Rotation Opportunities for International Physicians – Dayssy Alexandra Diaz Pardo, MD, and Tamer Refaat, MD, PhD
- The Value of AI in Radiation Oncology 101 – Gustavo Sarria, MD, and Mohamed Abazeed, MD, PhD
- ASTRO Communities Lounge Program – Global Cancer Prevention: An Interactive Conversation on Vaccine Equity
Sunday, September 28, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join a dynamic discussion on improving global access to cancer-preventive vaccines. - International/Global Oncology Quick Pitch: Impact of Radiation Techniques and Health System Access in Cancer Mortality
Monday, September 29, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Share and explore innovative ideas on how radiation techniques and health system access influence cancer outcomes. - ASTRO Communities Lounge Program – Global Access to Theranostics: Let’s Talk Solutions
Tuesday, September 30, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Collaborate on solutions to expand access to theranostics worldwide.
Best of ASTRO: Bringing Global Insights to Your Community
Extend the impact of the Annual Meeting by hosting a Best of ASTRO Officially Licensed Meeting in your country. This program allows organizations to present the top-rated abstracts from the 2025 Annual Meeting, selected from thousands of submissions, in a live or virtual format. Hosting a Best of ASTRO event fosters local discussions, shares cutting-edge research, and creates networking opportunities in your community. Applications submitted before November 1, 2025, benefit from a waived application fee, with discounted rates available for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Visit the Meetings and Education page on the ASTRO website for application guidelines, fees and eligibility details.
Why You Should Attend
Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Francisco, the 2025 ASTRO Annual Meeting is more than a conference — it’s a global platform for innovation, collaboration and inspiration. Whether you’re seeking to expand your research network, explore clinical advancements, or connect with peers across borders, the international offerings provide unparalleled opportunities to make a difference in radiation oncology. Join us in San Francisco from September 27 to October 1, 2025, to be part of this transformative experience. For more details, visit the International Offerings page on the ASTRO website and download the International Journey Map. Let’s shape the future of global oncology together!
Tamer Refaat, MD, PhD, MSCI, is the ASTRO International Committee Vice-chair, Professor of Radiation Oncology at Loyola University Chicago and Associate Director for Global Oncology at Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center.
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