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).

Imaging may be misleading when determining the success of cancer treatment
A new analysis calls into question the use of imaging alone to determine the efficacy of ablative radiation therapy.
Prostate cancer radiotherapy timeline can be safely shortened
Isodose moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy allows patients to undergo just 4-5 weeks of treatment, compared to conventional therapy that can take around 8.
Simple CT metric predicts treatment-induced kidney impairment in prostate cancer patients
Though effective, Lu-177 radioligland therapy is not without side effects, some of which can be severe.
Tiny 'water bears' may hold key to reducing radiation-induced side effects
These animals are virtually indestructible and have long outlived the dinosaurs due to their ability to withstand extreme cold, heat, natural disasters and even cosmic radiation.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Radiation Oncology

Imaging may be misleading when determining the success of cancer treatment

Prostate cancer radiotherapy timeline can be safely shortened

Simple CT metric predicts treatment-induced kidney impairment in prostate cancer patients

Tiny 'water bears' may hold key to reducing radiation-induced side effects

Orano Med breaks ground on $265M thorium production site