New learning opportunities, Updated IMRT Model Policy, ROI call for volunteers

August 28, 2024

Nonmalignant Diseases Webinar Series begins today and includes onDemand!

This six-part series, Expanding the Scope of Radiation Therapy for Nonmalignant Diseases, kicks off today at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time, led by David Roberge, MD. We begin with an overview of radiotherapy for nonmalignant indications from the lead co-editor of the 3rd edition of Radiation Therapy of Benign Diseases. We’ll cover historical and contemporary indications for radiation therapy in the treatment of nononcological conditions such as ventricular tachycardia, plantar fasciitis, Dupuytren's and Ledderhose diseases, osteoarthritis and functional brain disorders. The presenters review data supporting the use of radiation therapy for these conditions, describe the biological mechanisms of efficacy, and provide practical instructions on how to treat. Register now and join us later today!

New! Prostate cancer webinar series

This three-part webinar series will educate learners on how to work in multidisciplinary teams to provide the highest level of care for their patients with localized and oligometastatic prostate cancer. This educational series offers practical tips for radiation oncologists treating prostate cancer in both the definitive and salvage settings. View the series live or take advantage of it onDemand which is included with registration. View the schedule, topics and speakers and register now for Definitive and Salvage Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer.

 

ASTRO-BCRF Visiting Away Rotations program

Help us spread the word! The ASTRO-BCRF Radiation Oncology Visiting Away Rotations for Medical Students application period is open. The award provides financial support to talented medical students from communities that are historically marginalized and/or underrepresented in medicine to participate in four-week clinical or research rotations. Any medical student who demonstrates an interest in radiation oncology can apply; preference will be given to medical students in their third or fourth year. Applications are due October 16.

 

Early career committee member highlights ASTRO 2024 offerings

The ASTRO Early Career Committee has been working throughout the year to support the needs of early career members of ASTRO. With ASTRO 2024 just around the corner, the committee has planned programming to take place in the Early Career and Mentoring Lounge and as part of the regular Annual Meeting program. Now’s a great time to start planning your meeting schedule. Read this blog to learn more about the work of your Early Career Committee and this year’s Annual Meeting highlights specifically catered to the early career attendee.

 

Brian Kavanagh, MD, MPH, FASTRO, named ASTROnews Senior Editor

ASTRO is pleased to announce that Brian Kavanagh, MD, MPH, FASTRO, has been named as the new Senior Editor of ASTROnews. Dr. Kavanagh will step into the role following Najeeb Mohideen, MD, FASTRO, who led the magazine for eight years. Under Dr. Mohideen’s leadership as Senior Editor, ASTROnews featured many hot topics in radiation oncology, often ahead of the curve, ensuring different aspects important to our members are covered by each issue. Dr. Kavanagh will begin his tenure as Senior Editor with the Winter 2025 issue of ASTROnews.

 

ASTRO IMRT Model Policy updated

In July, the ASTRO Board of Directors approved an updated IMRT Model Policy. The revised policy expands upon appropriate indications for IMRT based on the latest clinical evidence and updated the ICD-10 code diagnosis list. For more information, see What’s Happening in Washington.

 

FDA to host Pediatric Advocacy Forum

The FDA Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE) is holding a Pediatric Advocacy Forum on Tuesday, October 15. This event will bring together pediatric cancer advocacy groups from around the world to discuss a range of important topics with pediatric-oncologists and other scientists with expertise in pediatric cancer drug development from across the OCE. The specific forum content will be guided by input on topics considered most significant to the pediatric cancer advocacy community based on responses entered during forum registration. See details and register.

 

Volunteer for ROI - the ASTRO Foundation

Want to make a difference in radiation oncology? Get involved with the Radiation Oncology Institute (ROI) – the ASTRO Foundation – by volunteering for a committee! ROI accelerates bold and innovative ideas in radiation therapy and is seeking enthusiastic new volunteers for the Development Committee and Research Committee to begin service in 2025. Learn more about the responsibilities of each committee and submit your application to volunteer by October 20.

 

RO-ILS Seeks Safety Star nominees and RO-HAC applicants

Physicists interested in serving on the RO-ILS Radiation Oncology Healthcare Advisory Council (RO-HAC) need to apply by September 10. RO-HAC is an elite group of safety experts who review and analyze the data submitted to RO-ILS and develop education for the community. The deadline to nominate a radiation physics or therapy colleague as a 2024 Safety Star is October 7.

 

Last chance – apply for the Task Force on Hodgkin lymphoma guideline

ASTRO is initiating a task force to develop the first ASTRO guideline on radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma. Interested members have until Monday, September 2, to apply for consideration. Please also share this opportunity with colleagues who may be interested.