A10 I. J. Radiation Oncology d Biology d Physics Volume 72, Number 1, Supplement, 2008

STATEMENT OF NEED

Advances in the applications, technologies and methodologies of radiation oncology continue to evolve rapidly,creating a need for continual learning.

The 2008 Annual Meeting Scientific Program is designed to disseminate new scientific findings and technical inno-vations, and expand basic knowledge relevant to clinical practice and to the improvement of patient outcomes.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

The educational elements of this program are targeted at oncologists of all disciplines, physicists, biologists, nurses,dosimetrists, therapists and other professionals involved in radiation therapy. Attendees will receive state-of-the-artpractice information relating to radiation, surgical and medical oncology.

Embracing the multidisciplinary approach to cancer care is essential to quality care. Research presented from medicaland surgical oncologists, pathologists and allied professionals will enhance the interdisciplinary nature of theprogram.

The program will include presentations on standard, investigational and experimental therapeutics, image guided ra-diation therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, radionuclide therapy, treatment planning, alternative fraction-ation, emerging technologies, and molecular and radiation biology.

Specific clinical areas include breast, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gynecological, head andneck, lung, lymphoma, musculoskeletal, pediatric and thoracic cancers. In addition, the program will address qualityof life, supportive care, outcomes and health policy issues.

These topics are addressed by a combination of educational sessions, panel discussions, proffered papers and posters.Educational Sessions provide attendees with an essential review of timely topics; panel discussions emphasize currentcontroversies; and proffered papers and poster presentations represent new research findings. This combinationprovides complementary coverage of a broad range of topics relevant to radiation oncology and members of themultidisciplinary care team.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This continuing medical education activity is designed to meet the interest of radiation oncologists, radiation oncol-ogy residents, radiation biologists, radiation physicists, dosimetrists, oncologists working in related specialties, radi-ation therapists, radiation oncology nurses, radiation oncology administrators and all other health professionalsinvolved in the field of radiation oncology.