HHS questions safety of new mesothelioma radiation therapy

A recent study conducted by S. U. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) suggests that there is insufficient evidence available to support applications for safety and efficacy of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

Currently used to treat mesothelioma cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), radiation therapy, SBRT is using the relatively new technology. SBRT allows them to accurately identify and treat areas affected by cancer without harming surrounding healthy tissues.

A brief was prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality HHS discuss the benefits and highlights the SBRT treatment. Preparation of the presentation was made by N. Kelley Tipton, MPH, Institute for the ECRI Evidence-based Practice Center. More than 5,500 articles have literally been tested for memory. And 24 percent were deemed relevant and used for further studies, these data included and the cover in case of malignant tumors treated with SBRT without receiving treatment for other forms of radiation.

The brief said that although SBRT is currently used for treatment of mesothelioma and a variety of NSCLC, a comprehensive systematic review of current literature can not answer questions about the efficacy and safety of more than SBRT other radiotherapeutic ".

Radiotherapy is often used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy for treatment of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers and is characterized by an irregular pattern of tumors that spread through the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), or the skin of other abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). There is no known cure for both types of mesothelioma.

The document prepared for the HHS also said SBRT "requires a rigorous quality control and quality assurance measures for treatment planning and delivery of treatment." This raises doubts about the ability of HHS to systematically provide strict specifications. In conclusion, the members of the research team suggests, "Comparative studies are needed to provide evidence that the theoretical advantages of SBRT treatment compared to radiation actually occur in clinical practice."

Clinical trials are planned for 2013 to ensure the safety and effectiveness of SBRT in patients with mesothelioma and NSCLC.