Call for Abstracts open for 2027 symposia, Speed of Light announces grant awardees
August 12, 2026
| Speed of Light awards $2.4 million to 14 radiation medicine researchers | ||
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Speed of Light — The ASTRO Foundation today announced $2.4 million in new research grants to 14 scientists advancing radiation medicine and patient care. Their projects explore critical topics ranging from biomarkers and tumor immunology to FLASH radiotherapy, artificial intelligence and new combinations of radiation therapy with immunotherapy. | |
| Marking the first annual grants cycle since ASTRO relaunched its Foundation as Speed of Light earlier this year, these awards are made possible by donor support and partnerships with leading cancer research organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the LUNGevity Foundation and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Congratulations to this year's recipients! | ||
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| Calls for abstracts open! | |
| 2027 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Symposium | |
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Abstract submissions are open through October 14. Join us February 25-27, 2027, in Orlando to share your research and connect with leading experts. |
| 2027 Multidisciplinary Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Symposium | |
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Abstract submissions are open through October 14. The meeting will be held March 18-19, 2027, in Northern Virginia. |
| ASTRO Industry-Sponsored Webinar: Advanced Cranial SRS with Dynamic Spherical Delivery Sponsored by ZAP Surgical | ||
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Join us Thursday, September 3 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time for a free webinar sponsored by our industry partner ZAP Surgical. Participants will explore Dynamic Spherical Delivery (DSD), an emerging treatment concept using ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery to improve treatment efficiency while expanding non-coplanar beam delivery capabilities.
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| Volunteer to be an #ASTRO26 Social Champion |
| Are you active on X or Instagram and going to #ASTRO26 in Boston? ASTRO seeks volunteer Social Champions who share highlights and experiences from the scientific sessions, panels and social events. You'll help connect attendees and the broader radiation oncology community with real-time meeting updates while expanding your professional network. Applications are due Friday, August 28. |
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New On Target Podcast: Radiation Therapy for Gastric Cancers In this episode of On Target, Malcolm Mattes, MD, Rutgers Cancer Institute, Christopher Anker, MD, University of Vermont, and Christopher Willet, MD, Duke University, together discuss the evolving role of radiation therapy in treating gastric cancers. The conversation covers treatment logistics, integrating radiation with other modalities, delivery techniques and side effect management. Listen and share this resource with your patients! |
| ASTRO Academy Summer Sale: Save 26% | ||
| Advance your knowledge and earn CME credit with high-quality online learning from the ASTRO Academy. Use code SUMMER26 at checkout to save 26% on all courses through September 7, 2026. | ||
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| CMS releases 2027 IPPS final rule |
| CMS released the 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) final rule on July 31. Although payment for radiation therapy is generally determined under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) or the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS), the IPPS final rule highlights key issues for radiation oncology, including updates on emerging technologies and quality reporting requirements. Read What's Happening in Washington for more information. |
| Senate hits pause on OMB grantmaking rule |
| On August 8, the Senate passed a continuing resolution government funding bill that would temporarily pause rulemaking to upend federal grantmaking through December 11. The proposed rule by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) would require federal grants to be reviewed by political appointees and would also allow for funding cancellations at any time. See more at What's Happening in Washington. |
| ROCR adds key Ways and Means cosponsor |
| Last week, Rep. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC), co-chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus and a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, signed on as the latest cosponsor of the Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Act. His support adds to growing bipartisan momentum behind the legislation, which now has more than 40 House and Senate cosponsors. Help keep the momentum going by urging your Representative to cosponsor ROCR. |
