The theme for the 54^th ASTRO Annual Meeting is Advancing Patient Care Through Innovation. 

Changing demographics, a physician based delivery system predicted by many to be unable to meet future demand, dramatic growth in science and technology transfer, shifts in patient attitudes and expectations—and all in the context of a health care delivery system that is becoming increasingly unaffordable represent important societal trends that will force change in how health care will be conceived and delivered. 

These trends will have untold effects on radiation oncology care as well.

  Many health policy experts see “innovation” as the solution for these challenges to  our health care system—not only technological innovation, but innovation in the delivery of  care—to achieve  improved  outcomes while bending the cost curve.