Prostate cancer: new types of radiotherapy improve cancer outcome but at what cost?

Nat Rev Urol. 2012 Aug;9(8):415-7. doi: 10.1038/nrurol.2012.137. Epub 2012 Jul 3.

Abstract

New and very expensive forms of radiotherapy, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy and proton therapy, have taken over the localized prostate cancer market. But is there enough evidence to justify their increased utilization and if so, how can we possibly afford them?

Publication types

  • News

MeSH terms

  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Proton Therapy / economics*
  • Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / economics*