This topic was reviewed by the California Technology Assessment Forum on June 18, 2008

It is recommended that stereotactic body radiation therapy for the treatment of early stage lung cancer in medically inoperable patients does not meet CTAF TA criteria 2-5, for safety, effectiveness, and improvement in outcomes.

It is the opinion of the reviewer that criteria were not met as stated in the recommendation. However, after listening to the testimony of invited experts and further clarification of the data as the experts understand it, the CTAF panel voted six in favor and four opposed to the following alternate recommendation:

“In medically inoperable patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer the evidence for SBRT is sufficient for peripheral lesions. These cases have few options and the current evidence suggests SBRT is better than conventional XRT.”

Full Assessment:

Download (PDF, 117 KB)