ASTRO HPV+ OPSCC guideline published, RO-ILS celebrates 10 years, 2024 Survivor Circle Grantees
June 19, 2024
| ASTRO guideline on radiation therapy for HPV+ OPSCC published in PRO |
| ASTRO’s new Radiation Therapy for HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Guideline provides guidance for physicians who use radiation therapy to treat patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, replacing the 2017 version. Recommendations address the use of systemic therapy for patients treated with definitive RT; indications for adjuvant RT and chemoradiation for patients treated with primary surgery; dose-fractionation regimens and volumes for treatment with definitive and postoperative RT and chemoradiation; preferred treatment techniques and normal tissue constraints for definitive and postoperative RT; and initial post-treatment restaging and management of the neck. See ASTRO’s news release for more on these key points. |
| RO-ILS celebrates 10 years of operations | |
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Ten years ago today, RO-ILS was unveiled at a congressional briefing, fulfilling a commitment of ASTRO’s Target Safely campaign. In the first decade of the program, over 850 facilities across the country enrolled and reported more than 37,000 events to a patient safety organization in a confidential and protected environment. More than 60 written publications have been publicly released sharing de-identified trends, events and suggested solutions. |
| The latest RO-ILS education is a detailed exploration of where rushing and/or scheduling contributed to events being reported to the program since 2014. The new RO-ILS Themed Report contains aggregate analysis comparing rushing and non-rushing cohorts in the database, four case examples and mitigation strategies. The findings related to problem type, treatment techniques, contributing factors and more, can inform areas requiring additional focus and improvement activities. Don’t miss reading this report!
A special thank you to the RO-ILS volunteers, RO-ILS users and supporters who make this work possible. |
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| ASTRO responds to Senate Finance White Paper on Payment Reform |
| ASTRO issued comments in response to the Senate Finance Committee white paper entitled “Bolstering Chronic Care through Physician Payment: Current Challenges and Policy Options in Medicare Part B.” The letter urges Committee support for ROCR which plays a key role in securing rate stability and protecting access to radiation therapy services. For more information, see What's Happening in Washington. |
| MedPAC report calls for physician payment reform and assesses prior auth impact |
| The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) issued its June report which includes two approaches for updating the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule to reimburse for physician services more appropriately. The report also assesses Medicare Advantage plan use of prior authorization for utilization management. See more details in What’s Happening in Washington. |
| ROCR Senate Dem Lead: Gary Peters (MI) |
| Senator Gary Peters (MI) joins Senator Tillis (NC) as the first Democrat to cosponsor S. 4330, the ROCR Value-Based Payment Program Act. The ROCR Act would help stabilize Medicare payments and improve upon already excellent care for cancer patients. Now is the time to contact your senators and representatives; ask them to show their support by cosponsoring the bipartisan Radiation Oncology Case Rate Value Based Payment Program Act (S. 4330 and H.R. 8404). |
| Hurry! Register for ASTRO 2024 before rates increase |
| The deadline for early-bird registration for ASTRO’s 66th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, on September 29 – October 2 is next Thursday. Learn more about the meeting including meeting highlights and city attractions. Also, the Annual Meeting Portal includes the complete schedule of Education and Scientific sessions and other events. Register now! |
| ASTRO announces 2024 Survivor Circle Grantees | |
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ASTRO is pleased to award the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts of Washington, DC, and Touch4Life of Clarksville, Maryland, with the 2024 Survivor Circle grant. Each organization will receive $12,500 to support their patient and caregiver programs and will be honored at the Annual Meeting. Last year at the 65th Annual Meeting in San Diego, ASTRO awarded grants to two California-based organizations, Breast Cancer Angels and Cancer Support Community Los Angeles (CSCLA). ASTRO caught up recently with both organizations to hear how they have further advanced their missions using these grants since last fall. |
| Reminder! Votes due July 5 in ASTRO Board elections |
| The ballot for ASTRO's 2024 elections closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, July 5. View the nominees and then log in with your email address and password to access the ballot and instructions. Voting is conducted through a secure, online system that ensures the authenticity and secrecy of your ballot. Email Membership if you need assistance with your login information. |
| New ROI research awards will advance care for all |
| The Radiation Oncology Institute – ASTRO’s Foundation – is pleased to announce the 2024 research award recipients, representing four teams of investigators who will accelerate innovative ideas to increase access to radiation therapy. |
| Celebrating Juneteenth |
| Today we celebrate Juneteenth, a day of freedom and celebration. Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture's website to learn more about the history and significance of Juneteenth. |
