The 2026 Judith Stitt Plenary Abstracts represent the premier scientific selections of the 2026 ABS Annual Meeting—rigorous, high‑impact work from across the field. Continue the conversation with our special edition of BrachyBites:Lights, Camera, Precision! Highlighting The Judith Stitt Plenary Abstracts from the 2026 ABS Annual Meeting, featuring the voices behind this year’s leading research.

Featuring:

• Beth Erickson, MD
• Akila Viwanathan, MD

Host:

• Matt Harkenrider, MD

Dr. Beth Erickson and Dr. Akila Viswanathan, both former presidents of the American Brachytherapy Society, recently co-authored a Red Journal editorial entitled “Out from the Shadows and Into the Spotlight:  Making Gynecologic Brachytherapy Available and Sustainable for Patients and Providers."  In this episode of the ABS podcast, they join Dr. Matthew Harkenrider to discuss the evolving complexities of GYN brachytherapy and some strategies on how to be successful and fulfilled in a team-based approach while highlighting the importance of advocacy for this life-saving therapy.  Don't forget the donuts!

Dr. Oliver Sartor, one of the leading voices in advanced prostate cancer and radiopharmaceutical therapy, joins the ABS BrachyBites Podcast to discuss radioligand therapy and its growing impact on the field. We explore patient selection, sequencing, and how radioligands build on the same precision-focused principles that have long defined brachytherapy—offering a look at the future of targeted radiation in prostate cancer.

In this episode of Brachy Bites, Dr. Agarwal interviews Dr. Michael Garcia who breaks down the clinical problem that GammaTile was designed to solve: the vulnerability of the postoperative treatment gap in brain tumor care. From the limitations of standard postoperative SRS to the biology of rapid early recurrence, we explore how immediate, surgically targeted cesium-131 brachytherapy is reshaping local control in brain metastases and glioblastoma. Dr. Garcia discusses patient selection, preoperative planning, workflow, and barriers to adoption. We also unpack the ROADS interim data demonstrating a reduction in recurrence or death versus postoperative SRS. If confirmed, could this redefine standard of care for operable brain metastases? This conversation explores the evidence, the biology, and what comes next for CNS brachytherapy.

To recognize cervical cancer awareness month, Dr. Junzo Chino and Dr. Elizabeth Kidd join Dr. Matthew Harkenrider to discuss their recent manuscript entitled "The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) consensus guidance for hybrid intracavitary interstitial brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer."  As renowned experts in advanced GYN brachytherapy, Drs. Chino and Kidd share their experiences and guidance for best practices in hybrid IC/IS cervical cancer brachytherapy.  Their approaches are practical and achievable so that the evolving GYN brachytherapy program can thrive.

Dr. Parag Sanghvi, Professor of Radiation Oncology from UC San Diego, joins Dr. Matt Harkenrider on this episode of the ABS podcast to discuss all things skin brachytherapy. As a renowned brachytherapist, Dr Sanghvi shares his wealth of experience in an approachable way. From starting a new program to advanced skin applications, Dr. Sanghvi covers it all.

Dr. Grgur Miric joins the ABS Podcast to reflect on the evolution of prostate brachytherapy, the lessons of high-volume practice, and how he combined cancer care with community impact through basketball and mentorship.

In our inaugural International Spotlight, Dr. Hathal Haddad of University Hospital Tübingen discusses advances in prostate brachytherapy — from prostate artery embolization (PAE) to AI-assisted workflows. A leader in interventional radiotherapy, he shares how his team is shaping the future of precision care in Germany and beyond.

Dr. Manuj Agarwal joins the ABS Podcast for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to discuss life after prostate cancer treatment, minimizing ADT side effects, and optimizing long-term health. He shares insights from thousands of cases and his work in integrative oncology and longevity medicine.

As presented on June 20, 2025 at the ABS Annual Conference

Live from the ABS,  Dr. Cate Yashar and Dr. Mitch Kamrava as brachytherapy thought leaders join Dr. Matt Harkenrider for a lively discussion spanning a range of topics about the future of brachytherapy.  We discuss how to work at an institutional level to develop and advocate for a brachytherapy program and then how, we as a specialty, need to teach, research, and innovate for brachytherapy of the future.  The future of brachytherapy is bright!