Is Heavy Charged Particle THerapy likely to be more cost-effective than conventional or Proton beam radiotherapy for treating cancer

Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.: Is Heavy Charged Particle THerapy likely to be more cost-effective than conventional or Proton beam radiotherapy for treating cancer
Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.): yes
If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:: Heavy Charged particles appear to be more effective than Protons or X-ray based radiation but not available in the USA
What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.): Sarcomas, Chondromas, Melanomas, base-of skull tumors, lung cancer
Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.): Locally extensive tumor that tend to be resistant to conventional radiation and is not readily resectable.
Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.): Improve local control and survival
Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.: late effects on normal tissues, local recurrences and late second tumors

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

AHRQ Priority Populations

Federal Health Care Program

Describe why this topic is important.: Very expensive technology but not available in USA. Being developed elsewhere. If to be brought here could save billions if strategically developed to be done cheaper in a more controlled way, based on the best evidence.
What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.): We are planning to develop a Center to address this issue.
Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.): yes
If yes, please explain:: If this technology is cost-effective how do we make it available for the underserved?

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?: If and how should such Centers be funded
Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.: 12 months
Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.: If this technology is cost-effective how do we make it available for the underserved?

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate): If and how should such Centers be funded

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?: Individual

Effective Health Care Program