Australian Government - Department of Health and Ageing

Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC)

Application 1089

Brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer

Application No.

1089

Application NameBrachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer
Advisory PanelDr Michael Kitchener
(Chair and MSAC member)
Dr Ross Cartmill
(co-opted member)
Dr Graeme Dickie
(co-opted member)
Professor Gillian Duchesne
(co-opted member)
Dr Alastair Tulloch
(co-opted member)
Mr Clive Deverall
(Consumers' Health Forum of Australia nominee)
Date Received by MSAC Secretariat13 October 2004
Stage 1 - EligibilityEligible
Stage 2 - AssessmentCompleted
Stage 3 - Formulation of Advice to the MinisterThis assessment was considered by the MSAC at the 18 May 2005 meeting.

Following reassessment of further evidence pertaining to the safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer, interim funding should continue for patients with prostate cancer meeting the following criteria:

- at clinical stages T1 and T2 with Gleason scores of less than or equal to 6, PSA of less than or equal to 10ng/ml, gland volume less than 40cc and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years; and

- where treatment is conducted at approved sites.
Stage 4 - DecisionEndorsed by the Minister for Health and Ageing 28 November 2005
Stage 5 - ImplementationImplemented