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Phase III results of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0537 indicate that acupuncture-like, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ALTENS) may be equally effective as pilocarpine to treat radiation-induced xerostomia (dry mouth). Study results were published in the June 1, 2015 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics (Red Journal), the official scientific journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). RTOG 0537 is a phase II/III, multi-center, randomized trial comparing ALTENS with pilocarpine, which is the current standard of treatment for radiation-induced xerostomia.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is issuing a new guideline, “Definitive and adjuvant radiotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: An American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) evidence-based clinical practice guideline.” The guideline’s executive summary is published in the May-June issue of Practical Radiation Oncology (PRO), ASTRO’s clinical practice journal. The complete guideline, which cites 35 years of data to help guide current treatment and future research, is available online as an open-access article in PRO. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) issued an endorsement of ASTRO’s guideline.
The “Radiation and the Modern Management of Lymphoma” issue (May 1, 2015) of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics (Red Journal) is focused on the integral role of radiation therapy in current lymphoma treatment. The Red Journal is the official scientific journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) called on legislators across the country to find a permanent fix to the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula to preserve access and improve the quality of care for Medicare’s millions of beneficiaries. The association commended Congressional leadership for introduction of the “Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act” (H.R. 2) and also met with Congressional leaders in Washington, D.C., as part of its 12th Annual Advocacy Day.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) leadership participated in the launch of the new Health Care Payment Learning and Action Network (HCPLAN) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at an event featuring President Obama and HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. HCPLAN is designed to inform and enable system-wide improvement of Medicare’s payment structure.
Prostate cancer patients with detectable prostate specific antigen (PSA) following radical prostatectomy should receive earlier, more aggressive radiation therapy treatment, according to a new study.
The International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG) has issued a guideline outlining the use of 3-D computed tomography (CT)-based radiation therapy planning and volumetric image guidance for treatment of pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma. The goal of the new guideline is to reduce the radiation dose to normal tissue, thus decreasing the risk of late side effects.
Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final national coverage determination, effective immediately, that provides for Medicare coverage of screening for lung cancer with low dose computed tomography (LDCT). This screening gives at-risk seniors unprecedented access to care.
Cancer patients with limited brain metastases (one to four tumors) 50 years old and younger should receive stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) without whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), according to a study in the March 15, 2015 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics (Red Journal).
Three American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) staff members have been promoted to new positions: Emily Wilson has been named executive vice president; Dave Adler promoted to vice president of advocacy; and Anne Hubbard promoted to director of health policy, as announced by ASTRO’s board of directors and effective immediately.