PMRT guideline published, ASTRO leads charge for stable payments, Countdown to ASTRO 2025

September 17, 2025

Multisociety guideline on postmastectomy radiation therapy published

The ASTRO/ASCO/SSO postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) guideline replaces the 2016 guideline and provides updated recommendations on the multidisciplinary care of patients with breast cancer. The recommendations focus on radiation therapy (RT) in patients with breast cancer who undergo mastectomy, including indications for PMRT after upfront surgery, indications for PMRT after neoadjuvant systemic therapy followed by surgery, appropriate PMRT treatment volumes and dose-fractionation regimens, and treatment techniques. For a more detailed summary of the key points from the guideline, see ASTRO’s news release.

 

ASTRO leads advocacy charge for stable Medicare payments and patient access

On Friday, September 12, ASTRO submitted official comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the 2026 Medicare payment proposed rules and led more than 100 organizations in sending a letter to Congress in support of the ROCR Act. ASTRO’s comments on the physician and hospital proposals recommended important changes to a promising approach to use hospital outpatient cost data to inform freestanding technical reimbursement for many common radiation therapies. Read ASTRO’s press statement for more information.

 

Today is World Patient Safety Day!

World Patient Safety Day is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the activities that strengthen safe, effective care for patients. RO-ILS, a cornerstone safety program co-sponsored by ASTRO and AAPM, and supported by Varian, ASRT, AAMD, Sun Nuclear, and others, drives improvement by collecting, analyzing and sharing learning opportunities that improve safety. ASTRO’s APEx accreditation program further advances safe, high-quality care. To celebrate World Patient Safety Day and demonstrate a commitment to a culture of safety, ASTRO encourages participation in these programs.

 

Counting down to ASTRO 2025!

As the meeting nears, here are a few tips to help you get ready. First, if you haven’t registered, there’s still time – register now! You can join us in person for the full conference, via the PRO/Weekend package or online with the virtual meeting! Next, keep the Annual Meeting Portal at your fingertips by adding it to the home screen of your phone. Learn how here. Finally, visit the daily schedule and make a list of the sessions that you must attend, so you don’t miss a thing!

Schedule time in San Francisco to talk all things APEx

ASTRO’s Senior Practice Accreditation Manager, Rebecca Geiger will be at the ASTRO Resource Center during ASTRO 2025 to answer your questions about APEx. Meet with Rebecca in person by scheduling a one-on-one meeting to learn more about ASTRO’s accreditation program. Already accredited? Pick up your APEx ribbon at the Resource Center!

New on the Blog: Women’s Affinity Group shares ASTRO 2025 events

Explore this list of events that support women in radiation oncology, designed with guidance from the Health Care Access and Community Engagement (formerly HEDI) Council and subcommittees including the Women in Radiation Oncology (RO) Affinity Group. Read more.

 

Save now on registration for these two exciting multidisciplinary meetings

The new Multidisciplinary Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Symposium (MRPTS) and the well-known Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium (MHNCS) are being co-located at the beautiful JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, California, the week of February 17-21, 2026. An exclusive rate is available until October 31 for the MRPTS. And for the MHNCS, the advance rate saves you up to $100 when you register by December 5. In addition, if you’d like to attend both meetings, there’s a 25% discount on the second meeting, available once you register for the first. Act now and save!

 

Congratulations to the 2025 ASTRO-BCRF Radiation Oncology Visiting Away Rotation Recipients

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 ASTRO-BCRF Radiation Oncology Visiting Away Rotation Awards! This year’s program honored the achievements of 16 dedicated medical students, providing funding support to participate in four-week clinical experiences at leading institutions beyond their home medical schools. For students pursuing a career in radiation oncology, away rotations are highly beneficial: they enhance clinical knowledge, enable informed specialty choices, and facilitate the development of professional relationships that can provide ongoing support throughout their careers. Well done to all honorees!

 

ASTRO celebrates its journal peer reviewers during Peer Review Week 2025

Be sure to check ASTRO’s social media this week, where we will recognize the thousands of journal peer reviewers who make our scientific publications possible. Learn from reviewers and editors, and re-familiarize yourself with ASTRO’s reviewer rewards.