CMS releases OPPS proposed rule, Meet the 2026 MSF Awardees and Mentors

We are pleased to recognize the 2026 recipients of ASTRO’s Medical Student Fellowship awards! This program provides financial support and hands-on research experience to promising medical students exploring radiation oncology. Over eight weeks during the summer recess, awardees work alongside ASTRO mentors in clinical, basic science and translational research settings to develop new skills and build connections within the specialty. We also honor the dedicated mentors committed to training and inspiring the next generation of physicians and scientists.

On July 2, CMS released the CY 2027 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule, which would have a significant positive impact on radiation therapy technical payments in hospitals. Read What’s Happening in Washington for more information.

Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of ASTRO! Voting for ASTRO elections remains open until 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, July 24. Voting is conducted through a secure online system to ensure the authenticity and secrecy of your ballot. (If you need assistance with your login information, please email.)

🗳️ View the nominees and access the ballot.

In the latest episode of our series on AI in Radiation Oncology, Liam Ghiam, MD, a member of ASTRO’s AI Subcommittee, sits down with rad onc residents Nikhil Kotha, MD, Stanford, Alex Chen, MD, UCSF, and Mitchell Parker, MD, MSKCC, to discuss how AI is impacting radiation oncology residency training. Together, they explore the evolving role of AI and its specific impacts on training and workflows. Listen to the new Rad Onc Report.

ASTRO is identifying U.S. radiation oncology centers that offer cardiac ablation for ventricular arrhythmias using SBRT (i.e., STAR), including those with active clinical programs or participating in related clinical trials. ASTRO will use this information to foster collaboration between colleagues and identify treatment sites to support patient care. Add your center to the roster.

Listen in on July 20 for an in-depth review of the multidisciplinary management of high-risk and locally advanced prostate cancer, including practical takeaways from recently published data. Presented by Amar Kishan, MD, Declan Murphy, MD, and moderated by ASTRO President Neha Vapiwala, MD, FASTRO, this webinar is free for ASTRO members!

Next week, ASTRO leaders and the House Cancer Caucus will host a congressional briefing on patient access to radiation therapy and challenges impacting cancer care. The briefing will highlight bipartisan policy solutions, including the Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Act. Contact your congressional office to invite health policy staff.

On July 1, ASTRO submitted supportive comments on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) proposed rule to modernize regulations for byproduct material use. Our comments specifically focused on the proposed exemption of unsealed radionuclides with half-lives under 120 days from financial assurance requirements, as well as the creation of Standard General Licenses for low-risk uses. For more information, please see What’s Happening in Washington.

Last week, Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), co-chair of the House Cancer Caucus, and Suzan DelBene (D-WA), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, joined ROCR as cosponsors, bringing total bipartisan House support to 35 members. Help build on this momentum by urging your Representative to cosponsor ROCR and support a more stable future for radiation oncology care.

Illinois Medicaid has updated its online fee schedule to reflect the 2026 radiation therapy coding changes. If you have received an improper denial from Illinois Medicaid related to these coding changes, ASTRO recommends resubmitting the affected claims immediately. If you have questions about an incorrect denial or need additional assistance, please visit our Payer Support and Resolution Center.