Insufficient evidence on prostate cancer radiation treatment

Apr 23 2010

Reuters: "There is not enough evidence to sort out the effect of various radiation treatments for prostate cancer patients, especially newer, so-called focused radiation, an advisory panel told the U.S. Medicare agency on Wednesday. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) panel of outside experts said large gaps in available data make it hard to weigh the impact particular radiation options may have on patients, including possible death or side effects." However, the panel was divided in regard to "how to collect much-needed information."

"[CMS]  is taking a closer look at such treatments at a time of great debate over how to treat the cancer that affects roughly more than 2 million men in the United States" (Heavey, 4/21).