Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health to Unveil Wide Range of Innovative Radiation Oncology Research at the 2023 ASTRO Annual Meeting

The institution’s latest advancements in radiation treatment of cancer will be showcased in 10 presentations, including four oral presentations

New Brunswick, N.J., September 29, 2023 – Physician-scientists from Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health will present new, novel, and expansive radiation oncology data from their clinical research program at the 2023 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting, to be held in San Diego from October 1-4.  A total of 10 abstracts have been accepted, comprising clinical data and analyses that advance the understanding and use of radiation therapy in the treatment of lung, breast, pancreatic, and other cancers. Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and the leading cancer program in the state. 

“We are excited that the physician-scientists from our health system will be presenting significant and valuable information to advance the use of radiotherapy in cancer treatment at this year’s ASTRO meeting,” said Bruce Haffty, MD, MS, Chair, Radiation Oncology, Associate Vice Chancellor for Cancer Programs at Rutgers Cancer Institute, and System Director of Radiation Oncology at RWJBarnabas Health. “The variety and nature of the abstracts being presented speak to our team’s commitment, passion, and innovation in their quest to develop disruptive strategies to advance the use of radiation therapy in cancer treatment, improve patient outcomes and save lives. Our team of world-class cancer specialists and researchers is dedicated to advancing and refining the role of radiation therapy in cancer management to improve the lives of the patients we serve.”

Highlights of accepted abstracts include the following: 

  • Findings of an analysis to explore genetic changes in aggressive pancreatic cancer. Over 90 percent of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) have mutations in the gene KRAS, a major driver in PDA. The aim of this research was to investigate genomic alterations based on KRAS status and identify driver mutations with KRAS wild type. 
  • Results of a Phase 1 study combining a methionine-restricted diet (MRD) and radiation therapy to treat human malignancy, which has never been evaluated. Methionine is an amino acid critical to cell growth and survival, the deficiency of which, while tolerated by normal cells, causes cancer cell death. An MRD also enhances radio sensitization without significant adverse events.  
  • Results of a study to determine whether dynamic changes in tumor volume in Stage III non-small cell lung cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiation followed by immunotherapy, the standard of care, may predict patient outcomes.  

The full list of presentations at this year’s ASTRO Annual Meeting follows:

 

Oral Presentations

Abstract and Session No.

Title

Presentation Date/Time               

Location

 

Abstract 106
(Session 2)

 

Prognostic Impact of Mismatch Repair Deficiency on Stage I-II Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer Treated With Adjuvant Radiation Therapy: A Multi-Institutional Analysis

Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 8:10-8:17 AM PST

Room 5

 

Abstract 136

(Session 7)

 

Prognostic Significance of Pretreatment Immune Cell Infiltration in Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Treated with Definitive Chemoradiation: Analysis of NRG RTOG 0524 and 07

Monday, October 2, 2023, from 8:30-8:37 AM PST

Room 4

 

Abstract 138
(Session 7)

 

Comprehensive Genomic Analysis Stratified by KRAS Status in Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma and Its Prognostic Significance

Monday, October 2, 2023, from 8:50-8:57 AM PST

Room 4

 

Abstract 1114
(QP 11)

 

First Results of the Primary Outcome of a Phase II Prospective Clinical Trial to Assess the Feasibility of Preoperative Radiation Boost in Breast Cancer Patients

Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from                                    2:50-2:55 PM PST

 

Room 7

 

Abstract 280
(Session 31)

 

Unplanned Hospitalization and Subsequent Mortality in Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Concomitant Chemo-/Immuno-therapy and Radiotherapy: An Analysis of Over 10,000 Patients in a Nationwide Database

Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 11:20-11:27 AM PST

Room 4

Poster Presentations

Abstract and Session No.

Title

Presentation Date/Time               

Location

Abstract 2069

(PQA 01)

Predictive Value of Dynamic Tumor Volume Changes in Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer treated with Chemoradiation and Consolidative Immunotherapy

Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 4:45-6:00 PM PST

Hal B2

Abstract 2518

(PQA 04)

The Landscape of Genetic Alterations Associated with Metachronous Metastasis in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Its Prognostic significance

Monday, October 2, 2023, from 5:00-6:00 PM PST

Hall B2

Abstract 2540

(PQA 04)

Safety and Feasibility of the Addition of a Radiosenitizing Methionine Restricted Diet to Radiation Therapy

Monday, October 2, 2023, from 5:00-6:00 PM PST

Hall B2

Abstract 2678

(PQA 05)

Predictive Value of Tumor Volume on Local Control in Hepatocellular Carcinoma treated with Image Guided Hypofractionated Radiation Treatment

Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from 12:45-2:00 PM PST

Hall B2

Abstract 3165

(PQA 08)

Pilot Study Assessing Student Interest in Combined Residency Training Pathways With Radiation Oncology

Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from 5:15-6:15 PM PST

Hall B2

 

About Rutgers Cancer Institute

As New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers
Cancer Institute, together with RWJBarnabas Health, offers the most advanced cancer treatment
options, including bone marrow transplantation, proton therapy, CAR T-cell therapy and complex
surgical procedures. Along with clinical trials and novel therapeutics such as precision medicine and
immunotherapy – many of which are not widely available – patients have access to these cutting-
edge therapies at Rutgers Cancer Institute in New Brunswick, Rutgers Cancer
Institute at University Hospital in Newark, as well as through RWJBarnabas Health
facilities. To make a tax-deductible gift to support the Cancer Institute, call 848-932-
8013 or visit www.cinj.org/giving.

For journalists – contact:
Krista Didzbalis 
Media Relations Assistant 
732-507-8307
krista.didzbalis@rutgers.edu 
 
For patient appointments/inquiries – contact:
844-CANCERNJ (844-226-2376)