Past News

New ASTRO survey finds that prior authorization delays lead to serious harm for people with cancer

A new nationwide survey of more than 750 radiation oncologists confirms that prior authorization harms people with cancer by causing treatment delays, abandoned treatments, hospitalizations and patient deaths. Findings also make clear that the problem of prior authorization is growing worse, with patients now experiencing longer radiation therapy treatment delays than during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results of the survey, the latest in a series from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), reinforce the urgent need for Congress to pass prior authorization reform legislation and prevent further harm to people with cancer.

ASTRO issues update to clinical guideline on radiation therapy for rectal cancer

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issued today an updated clinical guideline for physicians who use radiation therapy to treat patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. This update incorporates new data on patient selection and best practices from several practice-changing clinical trials published since the prior guideline was issued in 2020. The updated ASTRO guideline is published in Practical Radiation Oncology.

ASTRO celebrates contributions to radiation oncology with 2024 Gold Medals and other awards

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recognized the recipients of its 2024 Gold Medal awards and other high-profile honors during an awards ceremony at the 66th ASTRO Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. Photos of the awardees and the ceremony are available online.

IMRT and proton therapy offer equally high quality of life and tumor control for people with prostate cancer

People with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer treated with either of two types of contemporary radiation therapy — proton beam therapy or intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) — achieved equally high rates of tumor control with no differences in patient-reported quality of life, according to a first-of-its-kind phase III clinical trial comparing the two technologies. Findings of the PARTIQoL trial will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

Spiritual themes, distrust may factor into Black patients’ reluctance to participate in cancer clinical trials

Spiritual beliefs and a historically-based distrust of clinical research may factor into Black patients’ decisions about whether to participate in cancer trials, according to surveys of patients treated at two Baltimore medical centers. Findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.This cross-sectional, descriptive study sought to shed light on what might be contributing to the growing underrepresentation of Black people in cancer trials and identify ways in which researchers might improve recruitment efforts so their findings can be generalizable to more diverse populations.

Existing standard chemoradiation superior to deintensification approaches for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer

Researchers looking to de-intensify radiation treatments for people with early-stage, HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer to prevent long-term side effects halted a large, randomized phase II/III trial after patients in the control arm reached a record high, two-year progression-free survival rate of 98%. De-intensified treatments involving a lower radiation dose and immunotherapy in place of chemotherapy did not perform as well as the more rigorous chemoradiation approach. Findings of the NRG Oncology HN005 trial will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

Timing matters when adding immunotherapy to chemoradiation for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer

People with limited-stage small cell lung cancer may benefit from adding immunotherapy to chemoradiation, but not if both treatments are given at the same time, new research finds. The results suggest that the timing of when immunotherapy is given plays a key role in its ability to extend survival. Findings of the multi-institutional phase III trial, which also found that twice-daily radiation treatments offer greater survival benefits than once-daily treatment, will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

Post-mastectomy radiation therapy can be shortened by nearly half for patients planning breast reconstruction

An accelerated course of radiation therapy does not increase complications for patients who undergo breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, new research shows. Findings of the large, phase III RT CHARM trial (Alliance A221505) will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting. While radiation therapy following mastectomy to remove breast cancer is known to improve survival rates for certain patients who are at higher risk of recurrence, RT CHARM is the first multi-institutional international study to show that a shorter course of post-mastectomy radiation, combined with breast reconstruction, is safe and effective.

People who experience side effects from cranial radiation therapy may recover full neurocognitive function within months

A substantial number of patients with brain metastases who experience cognitive side effects following radiation therapy may fully regain cognitive function, according to a pooled analysis of three large, phase III clinical trials. Recovery was more likely for people treated with conformal, or highly targeted, radiation techniques, compared to standard whole-brain treatment. The findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

Radiopharmaceutical therapy offers promise for people with tough-to-treat meningioma brain tumors

A substantial number of patients with brain metastases who experience cognitive side effects following radiation therapy may fully regain cognitive function, according to a pooled analysis of three large, phase III clinical trials. Recovery was more likely for people treated with conformal, or highly targeted, radiation techniques, compared to standard whole-brain treatment. The findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

ASTRO awards early career radiation oncology scientists with research grants and fellowships

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) today announced the recipients of its 2024 research grants and fellowships, including awards co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the LUNGevity Foundation, the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), the RTOG Foundation/NRG Oncology and AstraZeneca. Through these strategic partnerships, these awards recognize and support the outstanding efforts of early career researchers in the fields of radiation oncology and medical physics.

Radiation oncology research and clinical trial results to be featured at ASTRO’s Annual Meeting in Washington

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) announced today the seven studies to be highlighted in the 2024 ASTRO Annual Meeting press program. Researchers will discuss their findings in news briefings held September 30 and October 1 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. and via live webcast. Reporters can register to attend the briefings and join the Annual Meeting virtually or in person.

Dr. Neha Vapiwala voted President-elect of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The members of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recently elected five new officers to ASTRO’s Board of Directors: Neha Vapiwala, MD, FASTRO, as President-elect; Jean Wright, MD, FASTRO, as Clinical Affairs & Quality Council Vice Chair; Andrea Ng, MD, MPH, FASTRO, as Education Council Vice Chair; Christopher Corso, MD, PhD, as Government Relations Council Vice Chair; and Malika Siker, MD, FASTRO, as Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (HEDI) Council Vice Chair. The officers will begin their terms October 1 at ASTRO’s 66th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. 

ASTRO urges legislative action as reimbursement cuts continue in proposed FY25 MPFS

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issued the following statement from Jeff M. Michalski, MD, MBA, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors, in response to the proposed 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) released yesterday: “The declines in reimbursement for radiation therapy services for people with cancer under the Medicare physician fee schedule are disappointing. We are concerned that CMS continues to undervalue the impact of cost-effective radiation treatments for cancer and urge Congress to act on bipartisan radiation oncology payment reform legislation this year."

Radiation oncology leaders awarded ASTRO Fellow designation

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) selected 48 distinguished members to receive the ASTRO Fellow (FASTRO) designation for its 2024 class of Fellows. These physician leaders will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, October 1 during ASTRO’s 66th Annual Meeting. The ASTRO Fellows program recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to the Society and to the field of radiation oncology through research, education, patient care and service to the field.

Dr. Vivek S. Kavadi named CEO of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) announced today that following a nationwide search, Vivek S. Kavadi, MD, MBA, FASTRO will become CEO of the Society effective November 1, 2024. Dr. Kavadi, a radiation oncologist and ASTRO member since 1994, steps into the role from his current position as Chief Radiation Oncology Officer for The US Oncology Network. He will succeed Laura Thevenot, who previously announced her intent to retire after leading the organization since 2002.

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on radiation therapy for patients with HPV-related throat cancer

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) published today an updated clinical guideline that details best practices for using radiation therapy to treat patients who have oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Recommendations address radiation therapy as a standalone curative treatment or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. The guideline is available as a free-access article in Practical Radiation Oncology, ASTRO’s clinical practice journal.

ASTRO applauds new bipartisan legislation to reform prior authorization for Medicare Advantage patients

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) applauded today’s introduction of bipartisan federal legislation to address critical flaws in the prior authorization process. The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2024, introduced by Senators Roger Marshall, MD (R-Kan.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Representatives Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Ami Bera, MD (D-Calif.) and Larry Bucshon, MD (R-Ind.), is an important step toward improving care delivery for people with cancer nationwide.

ASTRO clinical guideline on radiation therapy for bone metastases emphasizes patient-centered care

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) published an updated clinical guideline that details best practices for treating patients who have symptomatic bone metastases and ways to improve their quality of life. The guideline is available as a free access article in Practical Radiation Oncology, ASTRO's clinical practice journal.

American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) to host Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., September 29-October 2

Registration opens today for the American Society for Radiation Oncology's (ASTRO) 66th Annual Meeting, which will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., September 29 – October 2, 2024. Led by ASTRO President Howard Sandler, MD, FASTRO, the conference is expected to attract up to 10,000 oncologists, clinicians, researchers and other health care professionals from around the globe.

Bipartisan bill to modernize radiation oncology reimbursement introduced in Congress

Today marks a significant milestone in cancer care with the introduction of bipartisan federal legislation that would revolutionize Medicare reimbursement for radiation therapy. The Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Value-Based Payment Program Act of 2024, sponsored by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), John Joyce, MD (R.Pa.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), would protect access to high value cancer treatments for patients across the country, enhance patient outcomes and reduce health disparities while generating savings for Medicare.

Noteworthy studies to be presented at the 2024 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium

Research on patient-centered treatment of head and neck cancers will be presented at the 2024 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium, which takes place in Phoenix and online today through March 2.

2024 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium to be held in Phoenix and online Feb. 29 – Mar. 2

The 2024 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium will take place February 29 to March 2 in Phoenix and via livestream for virtual attendees. The meeting is cosponsored by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC).

Radiation oncology physician groups unite to ensure patient access to cancer care

Today, the largest professional societies representing radiation oncology physicians in the United States announced a partnership with the goal of reforming radiation oncology Medicare payments to expand and enhance access to high quality care for people with cancer. Leaders of the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO), the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) stressed the need for a unified approach to create meaningful change on this critical issue.

American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) CEO Laura Thevenot announces 2024 retirement

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) today announced that CEO Laura Thevenot plans to retire at the end of 2024 after leading the organization since 2002. “It has been my privilege to work on behalf of our ASTRO members these past 22 years. Serving as ASTRO’s CEO has given me an opportunity to collaborate with the incredible members of our Board of Directors and volunteers to expand and enhance how we serve our members. In addition, I have been fortunate to work with a team of dedicated staff who are committed to our mission. ASTRO is thriving because of our volunteers’ and staff’s commitment to do the best possible work on many fronts to help our members and the patients they serve. I am deeply appreciative of our volunteers and members and will continue our focused efforts until I retire at the end of the year,” said Thevenot.

Dr. Rachel Jimenez named editor-in-chief of Advances in Radiation Oncology, ASTRO’s open access journal

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) announced today that Rachel Jimenez, MD, will become the new editor-in-chief of Advances in Radiation Oncology, ASTRO's gold open access journal. Dr. Jimenez, an associate professor of radiation oncology at Harvard Medical School and the chair of quality and safety in radiation oncology at Mass General Cancer Center, will begin her five-year term in March 2024. Dr. Jimenez will succeed Robert C. Miller, MD, MBA, FASTRO, who has served as editor-in-chief since the journal was founded in 2015.

ASTRO applauds appointment of Dr. W. Kimryn Rathmell as National Cancer Institute director

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) today expressed its support for President Joe Biden’s intended appointment of W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, as director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), with the following statement from Jeff M. Michalski, MD, MBA, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors.

ASTRO issues patient-centered clinical guideline on partial breast irradiation for early-stage invasive breast cancer and DCIS

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issued today a clinical guideline on partial breast irradiation for patients with early-stage invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). For the guideline, experts in breast cancer compiled evidence—including several recently published large, randomized clinical trials—to provide guidance on which patients can benefit from partial breast radiation, as well as best practices to deliver the treatment effectively.

ASTRO and ESTRO call for action: Maintaining the cycle of innovation in radiation oncology

Joint statement from ASTRO and ESTRO on the importance of technological innovation in radiation oncology, the differences in development cycles for drugs and technology, and the potential risks of unsuccessful innovations for radiation therapy. The societies also issue a call for action to safeguard patient care and innovation in radiation oncology.

Medicare physician payment final rule cements more cuts to radiation oncology, underscores need for legislative fix

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issued the following statement in response to the final 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) released today: “ASTRO is deeply disappointed that CMS finalized an additional 2% cut to reimbursement for radiation therapy in today’s MPFS final rule. The consistent decline in Medicare reimbursement for radiation oncology threatens to undermine patients’ access to vital cancer care across the country.  The time has come for Congress to intervene with reform legislation to ensure short-term stability and long-term viability."

ASTRO celebrates contributions to radiation oncology with 2023 Gold Medals and other awards

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recognized the recipients of its 2023 Gold Medal awards and other high-profile honors during an awards ceremony at the 65th ASTRO Annual Meeting in San Diego. Photos from the ceremony are available online.

ASTRO statement in response to the attack on Israel by Hamas

The ASTRO Board of Directors is unified in condemning the recent attack on Israel by Hamas. We deplore and mourn for the loss of life and the impact on critically needed medical facilities. Our Society members across the globe stand ready to support any efforts to ensure people with cancer have access to needed care. Our heartfelt support goes to our health care colleagues and all people affected including those who require urgent access to life-saving care. War always harms human health; as physicians, our goal is always to promote human health. We stand in solidarity with those who seek peace and a swift resolution.

Liquid biopsy may help identify which patients with non-small cell lung cancer will benefit most from radiation

A novel liquid biopsy test may help determine which patients with non-small cell lung cancer that has spread beyond the lungs are most likely to benefit from targeted, high-dose radiation, rather than drug-based therapy, a new study suggests. Findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting and published in npj Precision Oncology.

Accelerated radiation treatment could reduce head and neck cancer patient burden in low- and middle-income countries

A type of head and neck cancer predominantly diagnosed in people who reside in low- and middle-income countries may be treated effectively with fewer, but higher doses of radiation, a large new international study suggests. The study – a randomized phase III clinical trial involving 10 countries across four continents – found delivering a course of radiation in 20 rather than 33 treatment sessions was just as effective at controlling cancer for patients with alcohol and tobacco-related, locally advanced disease, without increasing side effects. Findings from the HYPNO (HYPo- versus NOrmo-fractionated accelerated radiotherapy) trial will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting. 
 

Short-course radiation as effective as standard treatment for patients who opt for breast reconstruction after mastectomy

In a first-of-its-kind study, people with breast cancer who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction immediately following a mastectomy reported that getting fewer, higher doses of radiation was just as effective as standard radiation, did not increase side effects and saved them time and money. The FABREC study is the first prospective randomized study comparing quality-of-life and clinical outcomes following accelerated versus conventional radiation therapy specifically for patients with post-mastectomy implant- or tissue-based breast reconstruction. Findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

Using recent diagnostic scans can substantially cut time to treatment for patients needing urgent palliation

Using previously taken diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scans in place of CT simulation scans to plan simple palliative radiation treatments can substantially reduce the time some people spend waiting for urgent treatment, improving the patient experience, a new study suggests. Patients who may benefit from this expedited process typically are experiencing pain or other debilitating symptoms, such as an airway blockage. Relying upon existing, recent scans instead of taking new ones reduced the time these patients spent at a cancer treatment center, from nearly five hours to under 30 minutes, on average, providing a pathway for expedited care. Findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

Sexual activity and vaginal dilation associated with fewer side effects after cervical cancer treatment

People who engage in sexual activity or vaginal dilation after chemoradiation treatment for cervical cancer are at lower risk for long-term side effects, according to a new study from researchers in Austria. Findings of the EMBRACE study will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting. 

Precision medicine navigators increase genomic testing rates for Black patients with prostate cancer

The presence of a clinical navigator to act as a liaison between people with prostate cancer and the health care system greatly increases the likelihood that patients, especially Black patients, will receive advanced testing that can help predict the severity of their disease and guide treatment, a new study suggests. The study showed patients seen by a precision medicine navigator were substantially more likely to receive genomic testing than those not seen by the navigator. Black patients, whose genomic testing rates traditionally are much lower than white patients, experienced a six-fold increase if they were seen by a navigator. Findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting. 
 

High-dose radiation offers new treatment option for older patients with inoperable kidney tumors

Older adults diagnosed with kidney tumors that are not suitable for surgery may benefit from targeted, high-dose radiation, a new study from Australian and Dutch researchers suggests. A multi-institutional phase II study – TransTasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) FASTRACK II – found 100% local control and cancer-specific survival for longer than three years among patients who were treated non-invasively for inoperable kidney cancer with stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR). Findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.
 

Liquid biopsies can rapidly detect residual disease following cervical chemoradiation, study finds

Two liquid biopsy tests that look for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the blood accurately identified patients with a high risk of cervical cancer recurrence after the completion of chemoradiation, a new study confirms. Findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting. 

High cure rate, low toxicity maintained with shortened radiation treatment for intermediate risk prostate cancer, study finds

People with intermediate risk, localized prostate cancer can be treated as effectively using fewer and higher doses of radiation therapy delivered over five treatment sessions as they can with lower doses delivered over several weeks, a new phase III randomized trial suggests. The findings, which are the latest from a series of studies investigating the benefits of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for people diagnosed with prostate cancer, will be presented Monday at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

Winners of the ASTRO-Sumitomo Pharma-Pfizer Alliance new combination therapy challenge announced

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) today announced the three winning research proposals for the 2022 ASTRO-Myovant Sciences (now known as Sumitomo Pharma)-Pfizer Alliance New Combination (Relugolix-Radiation) Therapy Challenge. The Challenge aims to identify research that addresses ways prostate cancer treatments can be improved with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist relugolix in patients who received radiation therapy.

Radiation oncology research and clinical trial results to be featured at ASTRO’s Annual Meeting in San Diego

ASTRO announced today the 10 studies to be highlighted in the 2023 ASTRO Annual Meeting press program. Researchers will discuss their findings in news briefings held October 2 and 3 at the San Diego Convention Center and via live webcast. Reporters can register to attend the briefings and join the Annual Meeting virtually or in person at www.astro.org/annualmeetingpress.

ASTRO President to speak at President’s Cancer Panel meeting about radiation oncology’s critical contributions to national goals

ASTRO President Jeff Michalski, MD, MBA, FASTRO, will join today’s first stakeholder meeting of the President’s Cancer Panel. Dr. Michalski was invited to share how ASTRO and the radiation oncology community are contributing to the National Cancer Plan. Radiation therapy contributes to 40% of global cancer cures, and more than a million Americans receive radiation treatments for cancer each year.

Dr. Sameer Keole voted President-elect of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The members of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recently elected three new officers to ASTRO’s Board of Directors, including Sameer Keole, MD, FASTRO, as President-elect; Wendy Woodward, MD, PhD, FASTRO, as Science Council Vice Chair; and Vivek S. Kavadi, MD, MBA, FASTRO, as Health Policy Council Vice Chair.

Radiation oncology leaders awarded ASTRO Fellow designation

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) selected 29 distinguished members to receive the ASTRO Fellow (FASTRO) designation for its 2023 class of Fellows. These physician leaders will be recognized at an awards ceremony in San Diego on Tuesday, October 3 during ASTRO’s 65th Annual Meeting.

New proposed rule continues cuts to Medicare reimbursement; Legislative remedies needed to protect patients’ access to care

ASTRO issued the following statement from Geraldine M. Jacobson, MD, MBA, MPH, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors, in response to the proposed 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) released today by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): “Another year brings another round of cuts to radiation therapy services for people with cancer under the proposed Medicare fee schedule..."

ASTRO statement on recent SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action

The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling on affirmative action comes at a time when we need to better diversify the oncology workforce. ASTRO has been - and continues to be - committed to the recruitment, training and retention of a diverse group of radiation oncologists to meet the health care needs of patients and address cancer health disparities.

PROSPECT trial expands treatment options for patients with resectable rectal cancer

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Resource Panel issued the following statement today regarding the PROSPECT clinical trial for patients with rectal cancer.

Widespread staff shortages exacerbate pressures facing radiation oncology clinics; ASTRO Advocacy Day calls for action

More than 9 in 10 radiation oncologists report that their practices face clinical staff shortages, according to a new national survey from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). More than half (53%) of the doctors said the shortages are creating treatment delays for patients, and 44% say they are causing increased patient anxiety. Radiation oncologists from across the country are in Washington, D.C. today to advocate for policies to help alleviate stresses on cancer clinics and increase access and equity in cancer care, as part of ASTRO’s Advocacy Day.
 

American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) to host Annual Meeting in San Diego, October 1-4

Registration opens today for the American Society for Radiation Oncology's (ASTRO) 65^th Annual Meeting, which will be held at the San Diego Convention Center, October 1-4, 2023. Led by ASTRO President Jeff Michalski, MD, MBA, FASTRO, the conference is expected to attract thousands of oncologists, clinicians, researchers and other health care professionals from around the globe. ASTRO's

ASTRO strongly supports nomination of Dr. Monica Bertagnolli to lead the NIH

ASTRO today expressed its strong support for President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s nomination of Monica Bertagnolli, MD, as director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with the following statement from Geraldine M. Jacobson, MD, MBA, MPH, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors.

ASTRO and ESTRO issue clinical guideline on local therapy for oligometastatic lung cancer

A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO) provides guidance on the use of definitive local therapy — including radiation and surgery — to treat patients with oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The guideline is published in Practical Radiation Oncology.

ASTRO supports CMS’ prior authorization reform for Medicare Advantage plans

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issued the following statement from Geraldine M. Jacobson, MD, MBA, MPH, FASTRO, Board of Directors Chair, in response to yesterday’s final rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that revises the Medicare Advantage prior authorization process.

Radiation oncology workforce expected to remain stable through 2030

A new analysis of the U.S. radiation oncology workforce projects a relative balance between the supply of radiation oncologists and the demand for radiation therapy services through 2030. The report was produced by Health Management Associates (HMA), a consulting firm commissioned by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). It accompanies a review commentary from the ASTRO Workforce Task Force published as an article-in-press today in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics.

Immunotherapy costs drive increase in Medicare spending for outpatient cancer care at the end of life

A new study finds that recent increases in Medicare spending on outpatient cancer care at the end of patients’ lives were driven almost entirely by a type of treatment given to fewer than one in five patients. The study is published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics (Red Journal), ASTRO's flagship scientific journal.

Support for Turkish and Syrian communities impacted by the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes

In light of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, ASTRO extends our continued sympathy and support to the Syrian and Turkish people as they endure and begin to recover from this tragedy. ASTRO Board Chair Dr. Geraldine Jacobson comments on the situation and ways to help.

ASTRO issues updated guideline on radiation therapy for endometrial cancer

A newly updated clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) provides recommendations on the use of radiation therapy and systemic therapy after surgery to treat patients with endometrial cancer. The guideline is published in the January/February 2023 issue of Practical Radiation Oncology.

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on radiation therapy for IDH-mutant glioma

A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) provides recommendations on the use of radiation therapy to treat patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant grade 2 and grade 3 diffuse glioma. Evidence-based recommendations outline the multidisciplinary planning and delivery techniques to manage this subset of central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on radiation therapy for brain metastases

A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) provides guidance on the use of radiation therapy to treat patients with brain metastases from non-hematologic solid tumors. The update to ASTRO’s original 2012 guideline is published in Practical Radiation Oncology. 

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on external beam radiation therapy for primary liver cancers

A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) provides guidance on the use of radiation therapy to treat adult patients with primary liver cancers using external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Evidence-based recommendations outline indications and optimal EBRT dosing, techniques and treatment planning for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC), with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary care.

ASTRO urges Congress to pass legislation delaying RO Model and protecting Medicare beneficiaries' access to care

ASTRO response to the Supporting Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Act, which includes a provision to delay the start of the Radiation Oncology Alternative Payment Model (RO Model): "While we are grateful for the delay, our focus remains on the reforms needed for the model to be successful. ... This delay creates a critical window of opportunity for Congress to address the RO Model’s flaws."

CMS 2022 final rules: ASTRO deeply concerned and disappointed, emphasizes need for legislative solution

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issued the following statement today from Laura Dawson, MD, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors, in response to the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) final rules announced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Prior authorization costs radiation oncology clinics more than $40 million each year, study estimates

The time required to secure prior authorization approvals for radiation therapy treatments equates to a financial impact of more than $40 million annually for academic medical centers, according to a new study. Findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

Senators and representatives unite to call on CMS to protect patient access to high-quality radiation treatments

Members of Congress have joined together to issue bipartisan, bicameral oversight letters to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that call on the Agency to scale back severe cuts to radiation therapy services in the proposed Radiation Oncology Model (RO Model) and 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS).
 

ASTRO backs bipartisan Congressional bills to reduce prior authorization burdens and treatment delays for people with cancer

On behalf of the nation's radiation oncologists and the more-than one million people with cancer they will treat this year, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) expressed strong support for today's Senate introduction of bipartisan federal legislation that would rein in restrictive prior authorization practices that delay patient access to critical cancer treatments.

ASTRO submits comments to CMS: Stop the draconian cuts that will harm cancer patient care

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) submitted two comment letters to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) today urging the agency to reconsider policy changes that will result in $300 million in Medicare cuts for radiation therapy services starting January 1, 2022.

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on radiation therapy for soft tissue sarcoma in adults

A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) provides guidance on the use of radiation therapy to treat adult patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS).

Radiation oncologists urge Congress to reverse proposed CMS cuts and create more equity in access to cancer treatments

A record number of radiation oncologists met with congressional leaders and staff last week as part of the largest American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Advocacy Day in the Society's history.

ASTRO responds to troubling Medicare cuts and Radiation Oncology Model update

In response to consecutive weeks of proposed Medicare payment cuts to radiation oncology cancer care, Thomas J. Eichler, MD, FASTRO, Chair of American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), issued the following statement.

ASTRO survey: Fewer patient visits despite enhanced COVID-19 safety measures for radiation oncology clinics

Despite facing challenges such as limited access to PPE during the COVID-19 outbreak, radiation oncology clinics quickly implemented safety enhancements that allowed them to continue caring for cancer patients, according to a new national survey from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). All 222 physician leaders in the survey collected April 16-30 said their practices continued to provide radiation therapy, yet 85% also reported declines in patient visits, by an average of one-third.

ASTRO applauds new prior authorization legislation to reduce cancer patient burden and delays

On behalf of the nation’s radiation oncologists and the more-than one million cancer patients in their care this year, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) applauded today’s introduction of bipartisan federal legislation that would rein in restrictive prior authorization practices that unnecessarily delay patient access to critical cancer treatments.

Prior authorization obstacles unnecessarily delay patient access to cancer treatments, physician survey finds