Taking place in Boston, the 2026 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting, researchers shared new findings on how radiation therapy may improve cancer control while considering quality of life and treatment side effects.
In this recap, we highlight two major studies uncovered at the event. Together, the findings offer new information that may help patients and their doctors weigh treatment options and what to expect after treatment.
1) Addressing mental health and depression after a cancer diagnosis
A large study found that people with cancer who had depression before their diagnosis had a 24% higher risk of dying from cancer compared with those without preexisting depression. Among people with depression, however, early mental health treatment was linked to better cancer outcomes. Psychotherapy started within one week of a cancer diagnosis was associated with a 27% lower risk of dying from cancer, while antidepressant use was associated with a 7% lower risk. It’s worth noting that the study shows an association and doesn’t prove that mental health treatment directly improves cancer survival.
However, these findings are still meaningful because they highlight the importance of recognizing and treating depression early as part of comprehensive cancer care.
2) Potential new standard of care for brain metastases
A randomized trial found that giving stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) over several treatments instead of one treatment after surgery for a large brain metastasis may better prevent the cancer from returning in the treated area. One year after treatment, cancer remained controlled in 87% of people who received fractionated SRS compared with 81% of those who received a single treatment. People in the fractionated SRS group also lived longer overall, with a median survival of 29 months compared with 20 months, although the reason for this difference isn’t yet clear. Rates of radiation-related side effects, including brain swelling and radiation necrosis, were similar between the two groups.
These findings matter because they provide randomized evidence that spreading SRS over three to five treatments may improve control of large brain metastases without significantly increasing side effects, giving patients and doctors another important treatment option to consider after surgery.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Outcomes4Me is not acting as your caregiver, and any suggestions or guidance offered should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
