Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage cancer cells' DNA and destroy their ability to divide and grow. It is delivered using linear accelerators, proton accelerators, metered cobalt-60 exposure, or brachytherapy where radioactive seeds are placed inside the patient on a temporary or permanent basis to kill cancer or relieve pain. The main radiation oncology society and annual conference is the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

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Many nationally recognized cancer centers are not complying with price transparency rules

The lack of cooperation may be hindering efforts to rein in cancer costs and improve affordability, oncology experts explained recently.

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Oncologists warn of ‘significant’ incidental findings, unrelated to primary cancer, on treatment planning CT

While rare, these instances may represent “major” clinical findings and necessitate additional imaging, rad oncology experts urged.

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The $40 million price tag of prior authorizations exposed in new study

Data presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology shines a light on the massive financial burden of prior authorizations.

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MR imaging-guided SABR extends the lives of patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer

Miami Cancer Institute experts found the technique "significantly" prolonged overall survival, sharing their findings at the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology 2021 conference.

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Transformative prostate cancer therapy ‘should not be accepted’ without PET imaging

Two Stanford University experts made their case for using molecular imaging to select patients for 177-Lu-PSMA-617 in a new Journal of Nuclear Medicine editorial.

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PET imaging helps 78% of Hodgkin lymphoma patients avoid radiotherapy

The classic bulky form of the disease is often treated with radiation, but this course can lead to toxic long-term effects, including heart problems and a higher risk of breast cancer. 

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66% of radiation oncologists say new patients are presenting with more advanced-stage cancers

“One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we already see the consequences of pandemic-driven drops in cancer screening and diagnostics," ASTRO Chair Thomas Eichler, MD, said.

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CMS quality initiative will overburden practices ‘still reeling’ from COVID-19, ACR and others warn

Physicians are urging the agency to ease reporting requirements and data collection, according to a letter shared recently.