Other studies analyzed various protocols, including a study that showed you can safely shorten the course of radiation therapy in prostate cancer by using fewer fractions and a larger dose compared with standard therapy, without changing treatment results. "In a variety of cancer treatments, radiation oncologists are trying to lower the number of treatments while achieving the same outcomes, therefore, impacting patients lives and not taking them away from their families and their jobs."

More isn’t always better


Two other studies analyzed whether more aggressive treatment as opposed to standard treatment would be beneficial. One study analyzed a two-drug regimen plus irradiation versus a single-drug regimen in preoperative rectal cancer treatment. The two drug regimen, using both chemotherapy and radiation, did not translate into increases in survival, but did increase side effects. Overall survival was the same at three years' time for both arms.

Another regimen analyzed a more aggressive approach with lung cancer, showing more radiation, when combined with chemotherapy, didn't translate into added benefits. In this way, the more aggressive approach did not increase survival and provided more side effects. "These studies show us that more isn't always better, and imparts why we do randomized controlled trials," says Gunderson.


This year's annual meeting brought in the second highest number of attendees in the show’s history, according to Gunderson, with early estimates of attendance tallied at 12,000. More international attendees attended this meeting than in previous years, likely attributed to Miami Beach's southeastern location near South America and Europe.

Next year's ASTRO conference will be held in Boston in November.

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