Application Detail

Description of Medical Service

The proposed service is a novel form of brachytherapy for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), which uses the Beta emitter radioisotope Rhenium-188. During treatment, the affected area of the skin is covered with the sterile protective foil. The Rhenium-188 is then applied in a matrix on the foil using a special applicator device. The irradiation time required to achieve the desired target dose at the defined penetration depth is calculated based on the radioactivity of the substance being applied and the surface area to be treated. After the calculated irradiation time, the matrix is removed by pulling the foil from the skin. It can be provided without anaesthesia, over a short period of time in an outpatient setting.

Description of Medical Condition

NMSC, also known as keratinocyte cancer, includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and various other less common lesions. The most common cause of NMSC is sun exposure, while other predisposing factors include genetic skin conditions and immunosuppressive diseases or treatments.

Reason for Application

New MBS item

Medical Service Type

Therapeutic

Previous Application Number/s

Not Applicable

Associated Documentation

Application Form

Application Form (PDF 1070 KB)
Application Form (Word 162 KB)

Consultation Survey

Consultation Survey (PDF 690 KB)
Consultation Survey (Word 72 KB)

PASC Consultation
Consultation closed

MSAC Consultation
MSAC consultation input closed Friday, 9 June 2023.

For further information please refer to PASC, ESC, MSAC Key Dates
For further information on the consultation process please refer to MSAC Consultation Process

PICO Confirmation

PICO Confirmation (PDF 728 KB)
PICO Confirmation (Word 530 KB)

Assessment Report

-

Public Summary Document

Public Summary Document (PDF 914 KB)
Public Summary Document (Word 611 KB)

Meetings for this Application

PASC

9-10 December 2021

ESC

8-9 June 2023

MSAC

27-28 July 2023