RTOG, US Oncology team to increase access to cancer clinical trials

The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and US Oncology are collaborating to increase patient access to U.S. cancer clinical trials with a radiation focus in the community setting.

The collaboration means patients receiving cancer care at practices affiliated with US Oncology have access to RTOG trials for disease sites including brain, head and neck, lung, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cervix and breast cancers. RTOG trials focus on testing the integration of radiation therapy with new systemic therapies and surgery.

The collaboration also marks the first time US Oncology, as a network of member practices, has participated in cooperative group trials in radiation oncology. Current members of US Oncology include large regional practices and academic practices with several facilities in metropolitan areas.

The collaboration began with 10 US Oncology affiliated practices working as a network; due to interest from radiation oncologists, the number expanded to 14 sites.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.