A who's who from the world of radiation oncology is set to convene in Los Angeles, Oct. 28-Nov. 1 as the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology conducts its 49th annual meeting.

Set for the Los Angeles Convention Center downtown, the meeting's primary theme, "Treating Cancer While Preserving Quality of Life," embraces all aspects of oncologic care and not just those efforts that provide patients with better outcomes.

This year's meeting is notable for a strong international outreach with a variety of educational programs conducted in Spanish and Chinese for a what is expected to be a strong overseas representation of radiologists and oncologists.

ASTRO estimates that overall attendance will surpass 11,000 radiation oncologists and those allied with the discipline. In addition, more than 250 exhibitors and vendors will line the exhibition hall's aisles, displaying the latest in product development and technology in cancer treatment and care.

Boasting 9,000 members worldwide, ASTRO has lined up an impressive array of speakers and educators including Stanford University's Victor Fuchs who delivers a keynote address Monday, entitled "Better than Band-Aids: American Needs Comprehensive Health Reforms.

Tuesday, Oct. 30 is highlighted by the prestigious "Presidential Address," this year given by ASTRO president Louis Harrison, MD, of New York's Beth Israel Medical Center. The final keynote, Wednesday Oct. 31, will be delivered by David Sidransky, MD, of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Throughout the course of the annual meeting many of the world's leading experts will conduct scientific abstract presentations, in addition to panel and poster discussions and a host of other educational sessions.

Two events that certainly fall into the "can't miss" category include honoring recipients of the 2007 Survivor Circle award on Sunday Oct. 28, and the Appreciation Reception, Oct. 29. This open to all comers event is being held at the California Science Center; the center's three floors of exhibits celebrate scientific innovation and invention. And the more daring attendees can test their skill as they climb a rock wall, among the center's most famous attractions.

Please feel free to visit DOTmed at ASTRO's 49th Annual Convention (booth #962).

For information about registration, housing and a full schedule of presentations and sessions, long in to ASTRO's website:
http://www.astro.org/Meetings/AnnualMeetings/documents/housingandreg_07.pdf

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