Breast cancer treatments could be revolutionised
An innovative new type of radiotherapy used just once for breast cancer is set to be recommended for NHS patients.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance on the use of intrabeam radiotherapy as a treatment option for people with early breast cancer.
This type of radiotherapy is set to be used under carefully controlled circumstances, and the guidance states that is should be recommended for NHS funding provided patients are properly informed about its pros and cons and that further data are collected.
Professor Carole Longson, director of health technology evaluation at NICE, said the treatment has the potential to be a much more efficient form of radiotherapy: “Unlike regular radiotherapy, with the Intrabeam Radiotherapy System only one dose is required.
“This single dose is given at the same time as surgery, eliminating the need for numerous hospital visits. Regular radiotherapy typically requires numerous doses over a 3 week period – although some people may receive it for longer - and is performed weeks or months after surgery or chemotherapy.
“The Appraisal Committee concluded that whilst current evidence was not extensive, this type of radiotherapy was more convenient for patients and can improve a person’s quality of life.”
Just over 41,500 women and 300 men in England are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Figures suggest that about 86% of them - 35,970 people each year - will potentially have early breast cancer.
Sally Greenbrook, Senior Policy Officer at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: “This is great news for early breast cancer patients due for breast conserving operations. Intrabeam is unique in that it is given during surgery, avoiding the need for weeks of follow up appointments and for many women, this is all the treatment they need.
“As this is a new technology, patients will need to be made aware of the pros and cons before going ahead. However, this technique can greatly reduce the disruption, stress and inconvenience of what for some people can be over 15 additional trips to and from hospital as well as saving the NHS money and time.
“Whilst this is just an initial decision from NICE, which we will be responding to, we look forward to their final decision which we very much hope will remain positive.”
The draft guidance, published for consultation, says that intrabeam radiotherapy should be offered to NHS patients as long as doctors explain the full range of treatment options available to patients, and their associated risks and benefits. This is to allow patients to make an informed decision about whether to choose Intrabeam or conventional radiotherapy. They must also enter details about all of their breast cancer patients having treatment with the Intrabeam Radiotherapy System onto a national register and audit, review and document clinical outcomes locally and consider the relationship between outcomes and patients’ characteristics.
“It’s still a new treatment,” Professor Longson explained. “So far, only 6 centres in the UK have used the Intrabeam Radiotherapy System to treat early breast cancer.
“Because it is still relatively new it is only right to recommend its use in a carefully controlled way. This will ensure patients are fully aware of the risks and benefits before choosing which treatment to have and allow doctors to gather more information about the treatment.”
The institute’s public consultation runs until Friday 15 August 2014. Final guidance is expected to be published in November 2014. Until then, local NHS bodies are expected to make their own funding decisions for new treatments.
Tagged in Breast Cancer