Authors' objectives: To assess whether, based on available evidence, is it possible to provide guidance on the use of HIFU for the treatment of localised prostate cancer within the Italian NHS.

Authors' recommendations: Evidence from our systematic review did not allow us to make a final statement about the comparative effectiveness of HIFU ablation versus the other options. No RCTs or other comparative studies had been published. Only non-comparative retrospective studies have been published reporting on large groups of patients for long follow-up periods. We believe that the lack of trials is the main problem in the field of medical devices and surgical interventions assessment. Although a specific reimbursement fee for the HIFU procedure does not exist, the technology is widely used in Italy. We suggest considering HIFU as an investigational treatment since the mechanisms of action and short-term effectiveness are already known but long-term comparative data are expected.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2011

URL for published report: http://www.salute.gov.it/imgs/C_17_pagineAree_1202_listaFile_itemName_14_file.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Italy

Organisation Name: The Italian National Agency for Regional Health Services (Agenas)

Contact Address: Agenzia nazionale per i servizi sanitari regionali, Via Puglie 23, 00187 Rome, Italy

Contact Name: hta@agenas.it

Contact Email: hta@agenas.it

Copyright: Italian Ministry of Health and Agenas