Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

24 May 2007

On February 12th, 2007, the California Technology Assessment Forum (CTAF) convened a “IMRT Roundtable on Prostate Cancer” to discuss issues surrounding the role and evidence base of IMRT as a treatment for prostate cancer.

IMRT for prostate cancer was an agenda item at two prior CTAF meetings where discussion focused on a technology assessment that concluded IMRT for prostate cancer was investigational. The investigational status was based on the lack of evidence from controlled trials proving that IMRT provided any incremental benefit over the conventional 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT). However, advocates of IMRT pointed out that IMRT should not be considered a new form of radiation therapy subject to distinct technology assessment. Furthermore, advocates pointed out that dose planning studies of IMRT documenting reduced radiation to normal tissues were an acceptable surrogate outcome. In 2005, the CTAF tabled the issue for further study. The 2007 IMRT Roundtable on Prostate Cancer was designed to provide a forum for a more thorough dialog among a variety of stakeholders. Meeting attendees included representatives from CTAF, the Blue Shield of California Foundation, Blue Shield of California, the National Cancer Institute, American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), the American College of Radiology, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Center for Medical and Technology Policy, practicing radiologists and a patient advocate.

Link to full meeting summary document

A background paper, titled “Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy: Next Generation 3-D CRT or Distinct Form of RT,” was prepared and distributed before the meeting to provide an initial framework for discussion. This paper reviewed the characteristics of IMRT to clarify whether or not this technology was considered a unique type of radiation delivery, or represented an evolution of existing radiation therapy techniques. In addition, the paper reviewed the literature regarding IMRT and prostate cancer. Specific gaps in the literature were recognized. Finally, there were formal presentations from ASTRO and from Dr. Bhadrasain Vikram, representing the NCI, who summarized the deliberations of the December 2006 NCI Workshop on Advanced Technologies in Radiation Oncology.

Link to full IMRT White Paper


Home > CTAF News > Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) 24 May 2007 On February 12th, 2007, the California Technology Assessment Forum (CTAF) convened a “IMRT Roundtable on Prostate Cancer” to discuss issues surrounding the role and evidence base of IMRT as a treatment for prostate cancer. IMRT for prostate cancer was an agenda item at two prior CTAF meetings where discussion focused on a technology assessment that concluded IMRT for prostate cancer was investigational. The investigational status was based on the lack of evidence from controlled trials proving that IMRT provided any incremental benefit over the conventional 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT). However, advocates of IMRT pointed out that IMRT should not be considered a new form of radiation therapy subject to distinct technology assessment. Furthermore, advocates pointed out that dose planning studies of IMRT documenting reduced radiation to normal tissues were an acceptable surrogate outcome. In 2005, the CTAF tabled the issue for further study. The 2007 IMRT Roundtable on Prostate Cancer was designed to provide a forum for a more thorough dialog among a variety of stakeholders. Meeting attendees included representatives from CTAF, the Blue Shield of California Foundation, Blue Shield of California, the National Cancer Institute, American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), the American College of Radiology, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Center for Medical and Technology Policy, practicing radiologists and a patient advocate. Link to full meeting summary document A background paper, titled “Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy: Next Generation 3-D CRT or Distinct Form of RT,” was prepared and distributed before the meeting to provide an initial framework for discussion. This paper reviewed the characteristics of IMRT to clarify whether or not this technology was considered a unique type of radiation delivery, or represented an evolution of existing radiation therapy techniques. In addition, the paper reviewed the literature regarding IMRT and prostate cancer. Specific gaps in the literature were recognized. Finally, there were formal presentations from ASTRO and from Dr. Bhadrasain Vikram, representing the NCI, who summarized the deliberations of the December 2006 NCI Workshop on Advanced Technologies in Radiation Oncology. Link to full IMRT White Paper