Ronald Chen, Chair of Radiation Oncology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Brandmeyer Endowed Professor, and Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, shared on LinkedIn:
“I’m currently at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting, the premier conference for radiation oncology. Cancer researchers from across the world come together each year to discuss advancements in radiation oncology research and technology.
The University of Kansas Cancer Center is well represented on the national stage, presenting our research and helping make cancer treatment better for patients everywhere.
Dr. Julia White presented an analysis of data from the clinical trial RTOG 1005 in breast cancer, showing that the risk of cardiac adverse events from radiation treatment is low overall.
In addition, patients who have risk factors for cardiac disease before cancer treatment are more likely to develop cardiac adverse events during follow-up, suggesting that more medical attention in managing these risk factors may be beneficial.
Dr. Ryan Morse presented an analysis of data from the clinical trial RTOG 0617 in lung cancer, and discovered that certain patient characteristics are associated with a higher risk of cancer recurrence.
Using these characteristics, Dr. Morse and colleagues created an ‘omega score’ which may help identify lung cancer patients who may need more intensive treatment to achieve a better cancer control outcome.
Long-term results of NRG GU003 were also presented. This is a clinical trial that I helped design.For patients who have prostate cancer, underwent surgery (radical prostatectomy) and needed radiation treatment afterwards, this trial demonstrated that shortening radiation therapy from 7.5 weeks to 5 weeks is safe; thus, shorter radiation treatment (5 weeks) is now an option we can offer to patients.
It is highly rewarding to design clinical trials that answer important questions, and see the process all the way through to sharing results and providing new treatment options to patients. This is how progress is made!
Another highlight is that Dr. Melisa Boersma receives her honor of becoming a Fellow of ASTRO today. Fewer than 5% of ASTRO members around the world are Fellows, and this honor recognizes Dr. Boersma’s significant contributions to ASTRO and to the field of Radiation Oncology. Congratulations Dr. Boersma!
There are too many presentations to share in detail. I love seeing my colleagues showcase their hard work and expertise on the national stage.
And I love seeing advances in cancer treatment every year for the benefit of our patients. Radiation therapy keeps getting better. Thank you, ASTRO, for another impactful annual meeting!”
Other articles about ASTRO on OncoDaily.