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Integrating Focal Therapies and Radiation for Enhanced Systemic Immune Modulation
This activity is dedicated to unraveling the emerging field of focal therapies in oncology, with a specific focus on histotripsy, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and electroporation. Our journey goes beyond traditional perspectives, delving into how these innovative treatments target tumors directly and elicit broader systemic and immune responses that are pivotal in cancer therapy. Focal therapies, with precision and targeted approach, have transformed our understanding and management of cancer. Unlike conventional treatments, these modalities offer a unique blend of direct tumor eradication and the induction of systemic immune effects. This dual action presents a new frontier in cancer therapy, opening doors to potential synergies with existing modalities and leading to personalized treatment strategies. The systemic immune responses elicited by focal therapies represent a paradigm shift in cancer treatment. This activity provides a platform to discuss the latest research, clinical applications and future directions in harnessing these responses for improved patient outcomes. A crucial aspect of this activity is the potential synergy between these focal therapies and conventional radiation therapy. This activity delves into how integrating these innovative treatments with radiation can enhance overall treatment efficacy. This includes not only a direct impact on the tumor but also a significant enhancement of systemic immune responses, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. The exploration of this synergy represents a frontier in cancer treatment, promising new avenues for research and clinical practice.
Topics:
- Histotripsy - A New Era in Cancer Therapy
Michael Green, MD, PhD - Histotripsy - Q&A
Michael Green, MD, PhD - Combination Therapy with Focused Ultrasound and Q&A
Elisa E. Konofagou, PhD - Electroporation: From Localized Treatment to Systemic Response and Q&A
William Moore, MD - Synergizing Focal Therapies with Radiation in Cancer Treatment
Chandan Guha, MD, PhD, MBBS - Q and A
Chandan Guha, MD, PhD, MBBS - Moderator
Full Panel
This activity is available from July 8, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on July 7, 2027.
The content was originally presented and recorded at the 2024 ASTRO Annual Meeting.
Target Audience
The activity is designed to meet the interests of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, physicists, radiation biologists and residents.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Comprehend systemic immune responses: Understand the systemic immune responses elicited by non-ionizing energy therapies like histotripsy, HIFU and electroporation in cancer treatment.
- Explore mechanisms of action: Gain insights into how these focal therapies induce systemic or abscopal effects beyond the primary treatment site.
- Evaluate clinical applications and outcomes: Examine current clinical evidence and potential future applications of these therapies in various cancer types; integrate focal therapies with radiation; analyze the synergistic potential of combining focal therapies (histotripsy, HIFU and others).
- Chandan Guha, MD, PhD, MBBS, is employed by Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Guha receives honoraria from the Focused Ultrasound Foundation. Dr. Guha serves in an uncompensated role as a consultant with Varian. Dr. Guha is Co-founder and has limited liability company interest in BioConvergent Health. Dr. Guha receives grant/research funding from NIH, Janssen and Celldex.
- Michael Green, MD, PhD, is employed by University of Michigan and Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs.
- Elisa E. Konofagou, PhD, is employed by Columbia University. Dr. Konofagou is Co-founder and has ownership equity in Delsona.
- William Moore, MD, is employed by NYU Langone Health/NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Moore receives honoraria as a consultant for BD Healthcare, Siemens Medical, Galvanize Therapeutics, Merck and Pfizer.
The person(s) above served as the developer(s) of this activity. Additionally, the ASTRO Education Committee had control over the content of this activity. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Available Credit
- 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education for physicians. ASTRO designates this Enduring material for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 1.25 Certificate of AttendanceThis activity was designated for 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.
Price
Course Fees:
ASTRO members must log in to the ASTRO website to view and receive the member rate.
- Nonmember: $149
- Member: $99
- Member-in-Training: $49
- Student/Graduate Student/PGY-1 Member: $49
- Postdoctoral Fellow Member: $49
If you are an ASTRO member from a low or lower-middle income country, as identified by the World Bank, you can receive a 50% discount off your corresponding registration for this activity. Please email [email protected] to inquire about the discount.
Policies:
No refunds, extensions, or substitutions will be made for those participants who, for any reason, have not completed the activity by the expiration date.
Participants using ASTRO Academy activities to satisfy the requirement of a Continuing Certification (MOC) program should verify the credit number and type and availability dates of any activity before making a purchase. No refunds, extensions, or substitutions will be made for participants who have purchased activities that do not align with their MOC requirement.
The activity and its materials will only be available on the ASTRO website until July 7, 2027, regardless of purchase date. At the expiration of the activity, participants will no longer have access to the activity or its materials. ASTRO reserves the right to remove an activity before its expiration date.
Required Hardware/software
One of the two latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer or Safari.