AQUAS has updated the report on use of proton therapy for treatment of cancer
The Catalan Agency of Healthcare Quality and Evaluation of Healthcare Technologies (AQUAS) has updated the report on proton therapy for treatment of cancer. The update aimed at reviewing the new scientific evidence existing on efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of the therapy for different indications.
The evidence reviewed shows that the therapy has different levels of efficacy depending on the type of patient and of condition considered. The analysis concluded that proton therapy is not more cost-effective and safer than photon therapy or ion therapy for most tumour types. However, it shows better overall results for medulloblastoma and improved the results of therapies in some paediatric tumours of the central nervous system, some tumours of the skull base and uveal melanoma. The study also stresses the need for more rigorous and superior quality studies. The Agency recommends using the therapy in cases where evidence is reputed sufficient, particularly in paediatric tumours. It also recommends collecting new evidence, either through comparative and randomized trials or by means of coverage with evidence development.