RTOG Foundation Newsletter

Spring 2025

info@rtog.org

In this Issue:

New Investigator Spotlight: Dr. Neil Desai
The NRG Oncology Podcast Receives ACRO Media Award
The RTOG Foundation Communications Intern Experience
2025-2026 RTOG Foundation Communications Internship Call
Felix Feng Tribute
Save the Date for NRG2025 in Washington DC

New Investigator Spotlight:

Neil Desai, MD

Dr. Neil Desai is the Director of Clinical Research and an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He specializes in the management and radiation treatment of genitourinary cancers, with a specific focus on prostate and bladder cancers. He has extensive experience in radiation techniques including stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), brachytherapy, and adaptive radiotherapy and has established himself as a leader in the clinical trial community.

Read the Interview

The NRG Oncology Podcast Receives 2025 ACRO Media Award

The NRG Oncology Podcast recently received a 2025 American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) Media Award for in the media organization category. The ACRO Media Awards honors the best coverage of radiation oncology topics in the United States media landscape. This award will be presented to NRG Oncology during the ACRO 2025 Radiation Oncology Summit in Las Vegas on Friday, March 14^th.

Thank you to all RTOG Foundation members who tune in! Be sure to share the podcast and help us to increase the reach of these incredibly important topics that directly impact the field of oncology.

www.nrgoncology.org/podcast

Most Recent Episode: A Kidney Cancer Podcast Double Feature

In honor of Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, the NRG Oncology Podcast released a double feature for March. In the first episode, our co-host interview Dr. William Hall on the NRG-GU012 “SAMURAI” study for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Our second interview is with George Blasing of the Dinosaur George Podcast and the inspiration for the NRG Oncology Podcast. George takes a look at simplifying complex topics for the everyday audience and touches on his own experiences as a kidney cancer patient.

The RTOGF Communications Intern Experience

Written by Dr. Parisa Shamsesfandabadi, Allegheny Health Network

Stepping into the role of an RTOG Foundation Communication Intern has been nothing short of transformative. This experience goes beyond just learning about clinical trials: It immerses you in the heart of oncology research, where collaboration and innovation shape the future of patient care. From direct engagement with leading trial investigators to gaining behind-the-scenes insight into how groundbreaking studies come to life, this internship offers a rare vantage point that every resident should experience. It has expanded my perspective on clinical research, strengthened my ability to communicate complex science, and connected me with inspiring mentors who are driving change in our field. If you’re passionate about radiation oncology and want to be part of something bigger, I encourage you to apply—you won’t just witness progress; you’ll be part of making it happen.

Call for 2025-2026 RTOGF Communications Interns

The RTOG Foundation Communications Committee is searching for communications interns! This will be a 12-month internship, ideal for radiation oncology residents looking for ways to get involved with cancer research and other organizational activities. Interns will work with RTOG communications staff to create social media content around RTOG Foundation trials. Interns will attend virtual meetings with the communications team, RTOG Foundation Board meetings, and will also have the opportunity to attend an RTOG investigators meeting. There will be a $1000 stipend for each intern.

Please contact info@rtog.org for questions.

Please submit a cover letter and your CV to info@rtog.org by MAY 1, 2025.

A Tribute to Dr. Felix Feng

In case you missed it, our RTOG Foundation leadership issued a tribute to the late Felix Feng, MD.

NRG Oncology and the RTOG Foundation mourns the loss of profound genitourinary cancer research leader, Dr. Felix Feng. Former NRG Oncology Genitourinary Cancer Committee Chair and RTOG Foundation member, Dr. Feng passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

Read the full tribute here

NRG2025 in Washington DC

Did You Know?

There are several ways you can participate in RTOG Foundation as a member site, an industry collaborator, or by enrolling in one of our studies. Read more on our website about how you can partner with RTOG Foundation.

Learn more at www.RTOG.org/Partners