The Cost-Effectiveness and Value Proposition of Brachytherapy.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2020

Publication Title

Seminars in radiation oncology

Abstract

Brachytherapy is an effective treatment modality for a wide range of malignancies. However, brachytherapy utilization for both prostate and gynecologic malignancies has significantly declined over the last 20 years in favor of external beam radiation techniques. The cause of this decline is multifactorial, with logistical challenges, lower reimbursement, and inadequate training contributing to the preference of many radiation oncologists to more frequently recommend external beam radiation therapy. While the authors recognize the application of brachytherapy to a wider range of disease presentations among which include breast, skin, head and neck, and connective tissue cancers, in this review, we will review the analyses supporting brachytherapy as a cost-effective component of the management in patients with prostate, cervix, and endometrial cancer.

Volume

30

Issue

1

First Page

87

Last Page

93

DOI

10.1016/j.semradonc.2019.08.007

ISSN

1532-9461

PubMed ID

31727304

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