Register for 2026 Advocacy Day, ASTRO seeks comments for first guideline on RT for bladder cancer
January 14, 2026
| 2026 ASTRO Advocacy Day: Act now! | |
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Make your voice heard where it matters most! Join us in Washington, DC, April 27-28, for ASTRO Advocacy Day — your chance to meet directly with Senators, Representatives and their staff on the policies shaping radiation oncology. During this two-day commitment, you’ll gain insights from policy experts, sharpen your skills with Hill training and put them into action during Capitol Hill meetings the following day. Connect with colleagues from across the country and help advance the field. Radiation oncology residents and nurses are invited to learn more about the EAGL Awards. Register and reserve your housing today! |
| ROCR gains key House cosponsor |
| Momentum for the ROCR Act continues to build thanks to Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) signing on as a cosponsor. Congressman Bilirakis is a senior member of the key House Energy and Commerce Committee as well as its Health subcommittee. Urge your congressional representatives to cosponsor the ROCR Act by using our convenient grassroots tool. |
| Early 2026 Prior Authorization denial trends |
| ASTRO is tracking and working with payers to address prior authorization denials involving misinterpretation of revised treatment delivery codes and misunderstanding of bundling for image guidance. Read What's Happening in Washington for more information on denials and submit inappropriate denials to ASTRO for tracking and advocacy. |
| ASTRO seeks public comments for first guideline on radiation therapy for bladder cancer |
| ASTRO requests feedback on the draft guideline on Radiation Therapy for Bladder Cancer. The guideline scope includes the use of radiation therapy in bladder cancer in the upfront, definitive setting and the postoperative and metastatic settings. Discussions of indications for radiation therapy, techniques and integration of systemic therapies in these settings are also included.
Please review the guideline and submit comments through the webform by Monday, February 9. You can also access the draft guideline and webform at www.astro.org/PublicComment. |
| Red Journal special issue: The Impact of Particle Therapy |
| There is still time to submit your paper for consideration in the Red Journal’s latest Call for Papers! While the Call ends this week, papers submitted through February 6 do not require an extension request. All article types are welcome; contact the editorial office with questions. |
| Don’t miss the 2026 ASTRO Annual Refresher Course — Register today! |
| Elevate your expertise at the 2026 ASTRO Annual Refresher Course, happening virtually March 25-27! Dive into the latest treatment advances and emerging trends, participate in hands-on eContouring sessions, and gain exclusive onDemand access to top-tier lectures, including new topics like skin, radiopharmaceuticals and adaptive radiotherapy. Save your spot to benefit from bonus sessions, discounted add-ons and continuing education credits. Register by January 21 for savings and get ready to learn from leading cancer experts. Don’t wait — secure your access now! |
| ASTRO CEO named Top 100 most influential CEOs in Oncology |
| We’re proud to share that OncoDaily has named Vivek S. Kavadi, MD, MBA, FASTRO, ASTRO’s CEO, as one of the 100 Most Influential CEOs in Oncology for 2025! Dr. Kavadi is recognized for leadership that drives meaningful progress in oncology by advancing science, research, advocacy, access to care and more. This annual list highlights CEOs whose vision and impact are shaping the future of cancer care worldwide. Congratulations to Dr. Kavadi and all those honored! |
| Amar Rewari, MD, MBA, FASTRO, featured on Live with Kelly and Mark |
| Amar Rewari, MD, MBA, FASTRO, chair of the Health Policy Council, was featured this week on Live with Kelly and Mark, highlighting everyday habits that can quietly shape cancer risk over time. He pointed out that the science doesn’t say, “panic,” rather that small adjustments matter. Thank you to Dr. Rewari for using this opportunity to bring evidence-based prevention into a mainstream conversation. |
| Upcoming grant deadlines: ASTRO and ASTRO-LUNGevity Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Seed Grants |
| These grants will support trainees developing any area of research that has the potential to advance the radiation oncology field. Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. residency or fellowship at the time of application. Projects related to lung cancer can also be considered for the ASTRO-LUNGevity Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Seed Grant as well. Visit Proposal Central to apply for either or both opportunities. Applications are due January 26. |
| New RTAnswers On Target podcast available | |
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In the latest RTAnswers On Target podcast, radiation oncologists Malcolm Mattes, MD, from Rutgers University, and Amishi Bajaj, MD, from Duly Health and Care, provide a broad overview of the use of radiation therapy to treat breast cancer. They cover logistics of radiation therapy, how radiation is integrated with other breast cancer treatment modalities, different radiation techniques and side effects of treatment. The podcast is available to download or stream on www.astro.org/podcasts, www.rtanswers.org/podcasts, and on iTunes and Spotify. |
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| APEx welcomes new facilities |
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Congratulations to the following facilities for achieving accreditation through ASTRO’s APEx - Accreditation Program for Excellence®:
And, congratulations to the following facilities for achieving reaccreditation through APEx:
View a list of accredited facilities and contact ASTRO staff to learn about the new options for accreditation and why APEx is the right choice to accredit your radiation oncology practice. |
