CoC Member since 1979
The mission of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is to advance the field of radiation oncology. Goals of the society include establishing radiation oncology as an equal partner in the cancer field and supporting radiation oncologists so that they can consistently deliver the highest quality and value care to cancer patients. The core values that facilitate these goals include promoting:
- Excellence in patient care
- Improved outcomes
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Diversity and inclusion
The organization’s priorities also include the expansion of ASTRO’s accreditation program (APEx®); the implementation of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s (CMMI) Radiation Oncology Alternate Payment Model; and the facilitation of data sharing. These priorities align well to the CoC’s mission of improving outcomes for patients with cancer.
ASTRO started as the American Club of Therapeutic Radiologists in 1958 when a group of 79 accepted applicants met in Washington, DC. When it joined the CoC in 1979, the American Society of Therapeutic Radiologists (as it was then known) had grown to 1,400 members. At that time, ASTRO President Seymour H. Levitt devised a long-range planning committee to develop a strategic plan that included:
- Development of treatment policies based on a firm scientific foundation.
- Separation of therapeutic and diagnostic radiology.
- Dissemination of radiation therapy capabilities throughout the US.
- Emergence of a separate scientific society and journal for radiation oncology.
- Demonstration of the efficacy of radiation therapy as a curative treatment modality for patients with cancer.
Today, ASTRO has more than 10,000 members and three journals, as well as an accreditation program and incident learning system aimed at improving quality and enabling the delivery of safe, high-quality radiation therapy to patients. The core principles have evolved since 1979, but ASTRO remains committed to advancing person-centered care. This is achieved through the integration of multidisciplinary care established by evidence. ASTRO will continually measure improvements in radiation therapy value using metrics focused on cost, outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Research will be transformative and published in high-impact journals, embracing the public reporting of objective quality metrics and price transparency.
ASTRO’s own accreditation program is an initiative created to support quality improvement in radiation therapy practices and promotes:
- Utilization of appropriate systems, consistent processes, and documented policies.
- A focus on the entire radiation oncology team, with an emphasis on understanding each team member’s role in the patient care process and multidisciplinary setting.
- Commencing with a comprehensive self-assessment, allowing a review of compliance with evidence-based program requirements.
- A four-year accreditation cycle, which allows time for quality and process improvement and to evaluate the impact on your facility’s safety processes and patient care.
ASTRO believes that shaping the future of the specialty requires effective collaboration with other oncology specialties and appreciates the long-standing relationship with the CoC.
