ASTRO joint statement, ASTRO 2026 LBAs process, Got denials? Let us know
January 28, 2026
| ASTRO co-authors joint statement on lung cancer screening misinformation |
| A new multisociety statement from ASTRO, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American College of Radiology highlights recurring methodological flaws in published research that can discourage appropriate screening for lung cancer. The authors point to common misconceptions such as overstated or mischaracterized complication rates, false-positive rates and radiation-related risk. The societies urge clinicians, researchers and journals to apply greater methodological rigor when interpreting and reviewing these data to support evidence-based decision making and equitable access to screening. The statement is published jointly in the Red Journal, JACR and Annals of Thoracic Surgery. |
| ASTRO original data cited in President’s Cancer Panel report |
| A new report by the President’s Cancer Panel on the U.S. cancer workforce was released last week, and ASTRO’s original surveys are cited twice in the evidence base:
📢 ASTRO’s 2023 Medicare Impact Survey is referenced as a source linking staff shortages to negative patient outcomes. 📢 ASTRO’s most recent Prior Authorization Survey (2024) is referenced to highlight how widespread prior authorization delays lead to staff burnout and patient harm. While the report doesn’t address the radonc workforce specifically, the recommendations align with ASTRO’s priorities. Also of note, in 2023, then ASTRO President Jeff Michalski, MD, MBA, FASTRO, participated in a President’s Cancer Panel meeting that focused on setting goals for the panel’s work. Read the President’s Cancer Panel report. |
 |
This issue of ASTROnews features four physician colleagues reflecting on their personal experiences of being a cancer patient. Their stories provide insights into the patient experience to help us all maintain our empathy quotient for our own patients we see daily. |
| Live Medical Student Q&A – Invite a student to join |
| Know a medical student interested in oncology? Encourage them to attend ASTRO’s upcoming Live Medical Student Q&A on Wednesday, February 11, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. These interactive sessions are designed to explain how radiation therapy is used to treat cancer, explore career paths within radiation oncology and share tips for success in the residency application process. Featured speakers include Grant McKenzie, MD, Piedmont Radiation Oncology (Attending), and Rehema Thomas, MD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Resident). |
| Not too late to register! Two terrific symposia, one stellar site, plus bonus savings when you register for both |
| Make your plans now to head to Palm Desert, where you can learn and collaborate on the latest research and treatment options in radiopharmaceutical therapy and head and neck cancer care at these two exceptional meetings:
🗓️ New: Multidisciplinary Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Symposium – February 17-18, Palm Desert, California 🗓️ Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium – February 19-21, Palm Desert, California If you can’t attend in person, we offer a Virtual Symposium for each meeting! Bonus: Register for both meetings to get a 25% discount on the second meeting! |
| New process for ASTRO 2026 Late-breaking abstract submissions | |
 |
🚨 New for 2026, ASTRO is accepting shell submissions for late-breaking abstracts due at the same time as standard abstract submissions. All abstract submissions are due February 24. There will not be a separate submission period for late-breaking abstracts. Learn more in this recent video from ASTRO President Neha Vapiwala, MD, FASTRO, and make your plans to submit your work for consideration at ASTRO 2026. |
| Reminder: Public comment period open for first guideline on RT 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. |
| Fate of FY26 health funding uncertain |
| Last week, the House passed a FY26 spending package that would provide funding increases for both the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute and extend telehealth flexibilities for two years. However, Senate passage to avert a shutdown on January 30 is unclear. See more at What’s Happening in Washington. |
| Got denied? Let ASTRO know so we can advocate on your behalf |
| ASTRO continues to advocate against inappropriate denials of the new treatment delivery codes with eviCore, private insurers and Medicare contractors. ASTRO will meet again with eviCore to discuss ongoing denials for complex treatment delivery and excessive documentation requirements. EviCore has also released an updated Radiation Oncology guideline. In response to ASTRO’s concerns, Noridian has said that denials for the professional work of image guidance should be resolved going forward and that radiation oncologists can re-submit claims for reprocessing. ASTRO also has requested that United Healthcare urgently resolve similar denials for image guidance. Members are encouraged to continue providing examples of inappropriate denials and other payer issues by emailing Emilio Beatley or Alex Costa. |
| Access the 2025 Coding Seminar recording and 2026 Coding Resource |
| A record-breaking 192 attendees joined the 2025 Coding Seminar to learn from the experts about dramatic changes in radiation therapy coding that started January 1, and if you missed it, you still have another opportunity! The December 2025 Coding and Coverage Seminar was recorded and is available for purchase for a limited time in the ASTRO Academy. Plus, the 2026 ASTRO Coding Resource is available for purchase in both hard copy and digital formats. For questions please reach out to Emilio Beatley or Alex Costa. |
| Register for ASTRO’s first Functional Medicine Grand Rounds |
| The first session of Functional Radiation Medicine Grand Rounds, organized by ASTRO’s new Functional Radiation Medicine Task Force, will be held on Wednesday, February 25, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. Jarad Martin, PhD, ChB, MB, and Peter Gorayski, BMBS, from Australia will present emerging evidence on the application of low-dose radiation therapy for nonmalignant conditions such as Osteoarthritis, Plantar Fasciitis and Ledderhose Disease. Register today! |
