ASTRO 2025 abstracts deadline nearing, Legislative priorities, ASTRO-LUNGevity Seed Grant
February 12, 2025
| Do you or your colleagues have research to present at ASTRO 2025? |
| ASTRO is currently accepting abstract submissions for ASTRO 2025! Accepted abstracts represent all aspects of oncology, radiation oncology and radiation therapy for non-oncologic conditions. The scientific program features cutting-edge research in all major disease sites, as well as special physics and biology oral abstract sessions. And first authors submitting abstracts from a designated low-income country (as defined by The World Bank) may request a submission fee waiver. Complete your abstract submission by Tuesday, February 25. |
| ASTRO outlines legislative priorities for 119th Congress |
| In a letter to congressional leadership, ASTRO urged legislators to provide long-term payment stability through the Radiation Oncology Case Rate Value Based Program (ROCR) Act, fix the broken prior authorization process, and provide robust federal investment for cancer research. The letter is based on recommendations made by ASTRO’s Government Relations Committee’s Congressional Relations Subcommittee approved by the ASTRO Board of Directors. For more details, see What’s Happening in Washington. |
| AMA Physician Practice Information Survey recommends a 40% cut to radiation therapy services |
| The American Medical Association (AMA) released a report summarizing the findings of the Physician Practice Information Survey (PPIS), which include a recommendation to reduce the practice expense per hour rate for radiation oncology services by 40%. With a response rate of just 6.8%, the AMA bundled radiation therapy services in with radiology, nuclear medicine and interventional radiology. ASTRO has sought outside assistance to help account for radiation oncology practice expense more accurately. For more details, see What’s Happening in Washington. |
| NIH cuts overhead costs; States sue to block |
| Late last week, the White House announced that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is cutting billions of dollars in indirect costs. NIH said the change would save more than $4 billion a year, however a judge blocked the move temporarily. Visit What’s Happening in Washington for more. |
| Patient Safety Conversation Hour registration open |
| In honor of Patient Safety Awareness Week, RO-ILS will host a one-hour interactive forum about patient safety on Tuesday, March 11, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Eastern time. During this virtual conversation hour, attendees will discuss curated RO-ILS events in small groups and then debrief with safety experts. Registration is open to all clinical staff. Space is limited so register today. |
| Radiological Protection Aspects of Imaging in Radiotherapy draft report available for comment |
| A draft of the International Commission on Radiological Protection report on Radiological Protection Aspects of Imaging in Radiotherapy is currently posted for public comment. This report considers all aspects of optimization for imaging, starting with options available for both planning and delivery, including alternatives using non-ionizing radiation, and the frequency with which imaging is carried out during treatment. If you have colleagues who are interested in this topic, please share and encourage them to review and provide feedback. Comments can be submitted via this webform through May 30. You can also access this information at www.astro.org/PublicComment. |
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Prostate Cancer brochure available Now is your chance to stock up on the newly updated Prostate Cancer brochure! The brochure provides up-to-date information on treating prostate cancer to help patients and their caregivers understand their options, including external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy and hormone therapy. Additionally, there is a comprehensive graphic side effects chart and a list of questions to ask the care team. Brochures are sold in packs of 50 for $25. This and many other brochures are available to help your patients and their caregivers learn more about treatment options. |
| Spread the word! Explore Your Future: Live Medical Student Q&A |
Please help us encourage medical students to attend ASTRO’s upcoming live Zoom Q&A session on Wednesday, March 5, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. The session is designed just for medical students! Whether starting the journey or preparing for residency, this is a chance to connect with experts and explore exciting opportunities in radiation oncology.
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| Apply now: ASTRO-LUNGevity Seed Grant for Residents/Fellows |
| The ASTRO-LUNGevity Seed Grant is accepting applications for a $50,000 one-year award to support residents and fellows researching radiation oncology for lung cancer. This grant fosters careers in basic, translational or clinical research aimed at improving patient outcomes. Learn more details and apply by March 10, 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. |
