Physicians and scientists representing the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting a series of new clinical trial findings and research studies at the 2026 American Society for Radiation Oncology Annual Meeting, scheduled from September 26 through 30 in Boston. According to participating experts, the presentations highlight a broader disciplinary shift toward genetically informed, highly precise radiation therapies combined with emerging systemic treatments.
UCLA Faculty Showcase Radiation Advances at ASTRO 2026 Annual Meeting
Dr. Michael Steinberg, professor and chair of radiation oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and director of Clinical Affairs at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, noted that the department’s slate of presentations demonstrates rapid advancements across the discipline. Radiation oncology continues to evolve rapidly, and the research our faculty are presenting this year reflects the breadth of innovation across our department, from more personalized approaches to treatment to new ways of combining radiation with other therapies,
Steinberg stated, adding that the work shows how technological, biological, and clinical developments are reshaping patient care.
Prostate Cancer Toxicity Research and Genetic Risk Validation
Among the highlighted studies is Abstract 311, which addresses the challenge of predicting genitourinary toxicity following stereotactic body radiation therapy for prostate cancer. While stereotactic body radiation therapy is increasingly popular due to its convenience, a subset of patients experiences lasting urinary side effects that impact quality of life.
Led by Dr. Amar Kishan, executive vice chair of radiation oncology, and Dr. Joanne Weidhaas, professor of radiation oncology and vice chair of molecular and cellular oncology, the study validates a genetic test called PROSTOX. The test evaluates inherited genetic differences that influence how patients respond to radiation treatment. According to the findings, patients classified as high risk by the PROSTOX test were approximately 36 times more likely to experience late urinary side effects than those placed in the low-risk category. Kishan is scheduled to present these findings on Tuesday, September 29, at 3:45 p.m. in Room 210, pointing toward a potential routine role for germline genetic testing during patient counseling prior to radiation therapy selection.
Head and Neck Cancer Markers and Bile Duct Innovations
In a separate presentation designated as Abstract 1238, Dr. Joanne Weidhaas will discuss research examining whether inherited genetic differences can help identify head and neck cancer patients who are more vulnerable to severe side effects from radiation and chemotherapy, or who face shorter overall survival rates. Weidhaas will present this research on Wednesday, September 30, at 9:15 a.m. in Room 156.
Awards and Professional Honors for UCLA Leaders
The annual meeting also brings recognition to individual faculty members within the UCLA department. Dr. Daniel Low, professor and vice chair of medical physics research and innovation, is receiving the 2026 ASTRO Gold Medal, which serves as the organization’s highest honor. Low was selected for his contributions to the field through professional service and research, and he will be honored during the awards ceremony on September 29.
Furthermore, Dr. Jie Deng, assistant professor-in-residence of radiation oncology, received an American Cancer Society Clinician Scientist Development Grant that is co-sponsored by ASTRO and designated in honor of Dr. Felix Feng, an expert in preclinical therapeutics and translational genomics for prostate cancer.
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