Thursday, May 5, 2011

Proton therapy of cancer: Potential clinical advantages and cost-effectiveness

I came across this study by Medical Management center in Stockholm Sweden. It approaches the topic of cost effectiveness proton beam therapy vs other modalities for cancer treatment. I present this as there is an underlying question "is proton worth the costs". For me as a cancer survivor treated successfully with no side effects it is just makes sense to consider proton therapy for treatment as you will see as you review my blog. I put a lot of value of leading a normal life while not suffering side effects. So to me it was worth the costs.

Unfortunately it is so difficult to evaluate all the options that are available in treatment of cancer. While medical professionals provide their best advise based on there area of expertise, it is you who will have to make the final decision in selecting the treatment. Time is not on your side as clinical reports come in over the years. I, like you did not or do not have the luxury to debate this issue.

The following study goes like this: "Proton therapy may offer potential clinical advantages compared with conventional radiation therapy for many cancer patients. Due to the large investment costs for building a proton therapy facility, however, the treatment cost with proton
radiation is higher than with conventional radiation. It is therefore important to evaluate whether the medical benefits of proton therapy are large enough to motivate the higher costs."

"The results of this study indicate that proton therapy may be a cost-effective treatment if appropriate risk groups are chosen as targets for proton therapy, and that an investment in a proton therapy facility may be cost-effective compared to using conventional radiation": Click here to see the complete study.Link

My Blog List