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).

Orano Med breaks ground on $265M thorium production site
The new 7,000-square-meter plant is located in France and will begin production of thorium-228, necessary for the development of isotopes used in cancer treatments.
MRI guidance significantly reduces radiotherapy side effects compared to CT
A recent comparison of the two modalities’ utility for guiding radiation therapy for prostate cancer shows numerous benefits for MRI over CT.
Novel imaging technique could be used to tailor glioblastoma treatment
It allows providers to quantify changes in tumor size throughout patients’ treatment in real-time, providing early indications of efficacy and enabling adjustments as needed.
Post-mastectomy radiation therapy can be safely shortened prior to breast reconstruction
New research suggests that treatment regimens can be nearly halved without increasing the risk of recurrence or complications further down the road.
More and more radiation therapy jobs going unfilled
As part of efforts to address staffing shortages, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists is holding a virtual career fair focused on radiation therapy jobs on Sept. 26.

American College of Radiology urges CMS to scale back ‘excessive’ cuts in mandatory payment model

ACR chief executive William Thorwarth Jr., MD, is also "alarmed" at the number of small and rural practices required to participate in the value-based care initiative.

February 3, 2021

Lawmakers delay RO model again as reps. seek to scale back ‘intensity’ of payment cuts

CMS had originally planned to kick off the mandatory bundled-payment effort in July, but will now punt the go-live date to Jan. 1, 2022.

December 23, 2020

Radiology scores relief as Congress addresses pay cuts, RO payment model in year-end spending bill

President Trump on Tuesday night hinted that he may veto the bill if Congress does not make certain adjustments.

December 22, 2020

CMS will delay start of radiation oncology payment model until July

The American Society for Radiation Oncology said it is "pleased" and "thankful" the federal agency listened to the needs of physician practices.

October 22, 2020

CMS delays radiation oncology payment model following fierce opposition from physician community

The American College of Radiology had expressed "alarm" over a Jan. 1 launch date, concerned CMS was rushing the rollout and including too many small practices.

October 22, 2020

CMS’ mandatory Radiation Oncology Model ‘goes too far,’ say provider groups pushing for delay

Chief Seema Verma said the new bundled payment effort will reward results, rather than the number of services delivered.

September 22, 2020

Oncology group releases its first clinical radiation therapy guidelines for cervical cancer

The American Society for Radiation Oncology recommendations cover indications and best practices for using external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy in the postoperative and definitive settings.

June 10, 2020

ASTRO receives VA contract to develop cancer therapy quality measures

“This pioneering effort leverages evidence-based guidelines and the consensus of medical experts in a new and powerful way to optimize care for military veterans,” said Theodore L. DeWeese, MD, chair of ASTRO's board.

February 13, 2020

Radiation Oncology

Orano Med breaks ground on $265M thorium production site

MRI guidance significantly reduces radiotherapy side effects compared to CT

Novel imaging technique could be used to tailor glioblastoma treatment

Post-mastectomy radiation therapy can be safely shortened prior to breast reconstruction

More and more radiation therapy jobs going unfilled