This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Changes to radiotherapy could save the NHS millions
A new trial suggests that fewer, stronger doses of radiotherapy used to treat cancer patients could save the NHS millions.
The CHHiP trial began in 2002 with funding from Cancer Research UK. It recruited men with localised prostate cancer and aimed to test how the size and number of radiotherapy doses affected survival and side effects.
Three groups were involved, with group one having the standard treatment: a daily dose a 2 Gray over 37 treatments, Monday-Friday, for a total of 74 Gray. Group two had a stronger daily dose of 3 Gray, in 20 treatments for a total of 60 Gray. Group three also had a daily dose of 3 Gray, but had 19 treatments for a total of 57 Gray.
After five years, group one, who received a regular dose, saw 88 per cent of patients free from any cancer, while group three, who had lower overall dose of 57 Gray, saw slightly less effective results at 86 per cent.
However, the treatment of fewer, stronger doses given to group two, was found to be just as effective at keeping cancer at bay when compared to the regular dose, with 88 per cent still free from caner five years later.
Additionally, patients in group two who received the stronger daily doses didn’t experience any additional side effects compared to those who received the regular dose, suggesting that fewer, stronger does of radiotherapy can be just as effective at treating prostate cancer.
Professor David Dearnaley, from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, suggests that moving this kind of treatment could mean reducing the burden on patients, as they will need fewer trips to the hospital and can complete their treatment more quickly.
It also has the potential to save millions for the NHS, as well as free up radiotherapy resources, which could potentially reduce waiting times and allow more time for research.
Dearnaley said: “It’s crystal clear from this, the largest trial ever for localised prostate cancer, that men should be treated with fewer, stronger doses. There’s no arguing with the results.”
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