Bartłomiej Tomasik, M.D., Ph.D. from the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy at the Medical University of Gdańsk is a co-author of a publication in the prestigious journal The Lancet Oncology. The article evaluates the value of innovation in radiotherapy and was prepared within the framework of the international Value-Based Radiation Oncology (VBRO) project conducted under the auspices of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), the largest European scientific society dedicated to radiotherapy.
The study aimed to determine which types of research and clinical endpoints are required to reliably assess the clinical benefits of different categories of innovation in radiotherapy. The research employed a modified Delphi consensus method, engaging experts from the ESTRO radiotherapy community.
The key findings indicate that not all innovations in radiotherapy should be evaluated using the same methodology. Different categories of innovation – such as new irradiation regimens, supportive technologies, or organisational solutions – require distinct research designs and outcome measures. – Randomised clinical trials remain crucial, but they are not the only pathway for implementing innovation. In many cases, high-quality observational studies or modern research designs can provide reliable evidence necessary for introducing new solutions into clinical practice, explains Bartłomiej Tomasik, M.D., Ph.D.
The study also emphasises that the benefits of radiotherapy should not always be measured solely by improvements in survival. Other outcomes are equally important, including local disease control, treatment-related adverse effects, quality of life and preservation of organ function. For certain innovations, organisational outcomes also play a significant role – for example, shortening treatment duration, improving treatment planning processes, or enabling more efficient use of healthcare resources. Such improvements may enhance patient access to radiotherapy and contribute to more effective functioning of healthcare systems.
The publication represents another step towards developing practical frameworks for assessing the value of radiotherapy, which may support both clinical decision-making and health policy, ultimately facilitating patient access to the most beneficial treatment approaches.
The article can be accessed HERE.
More information about the VBRO project.
fot. Paweł Sudara/GUMed
