Problem 

This project was originally selected for a joint project between CMTP and the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) to expand the evidence on side effect profiles of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) compared to other available radiation therapies for treatment of early stage prostate cancer.

Project History  

In 2007, members of the CMTP Advisory Group discussed the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial of 3D-CRT, IMRT, brachytherapy, and proton beam therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer.  In a parallel effort, members of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology (ASTRO) and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) developed a protocol for a prospective cohort study entitled “Comparison of Patient-Reported Outcomes of Proton Beam and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) in the Treatment of Patients with Low and Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer”. A collaboration between the ASTRO-RTOG researchers and CMTP Advisory Group payer and vendor representatives is underway to develop a new funding model for this facilitated research project.

Working Party Members