Authors' objectives: To update the evidence on safety, effectiveness, cost, cost-effectiveness and organisational issues of proton beam therapy (PBT) for treatment of cancer.

Authors' results and conclusions: A total of 169 records were identified through the Ovid interface and PubMed. After removal of 154 irrelevant or duplicates, 15 records were screened. Three full text articles were included, and 12 full text articles were excluded due to the study was already included in systematic review. One HTA, one systematic review and one systematic review and meta analysis articles were included in this report. There was no new high level of evidence retrieved to determine the safety and effectiveness of proton beam therapy for cancer treatment. No significant differences were noticed from the outcome of the studies. Compared with photon therapy, proton beam therapy may result in fewer adverse event but similar overall survival and progression-free survival in children with brain tumours, adults with oesophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, and prostate cancer. However, the quality level of the evidence is low to very low.

Authors' recommendations: Proton beam therapy may be used for treatment of selected cancer like brain, oesophageal, head and neck, and prostate cancer. Further research is proposed for its use to treat other cancer types to provide more quality evidence on safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

Authors' methods: Search from databases was limited to studies published from 2017 to November 2021. Google was used to search for additional web-based materials and information. The search was limited only to human studies. Additional articles were identified from reviewing the references of retrieved articles. Last search was conducted on 15 November 2021.

Authors' identified further research: Further research to identify safety and effectiveness in other cancer treatment.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2021

URL for published report: https://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/database_stores/store_view_page/30/399

Requestor: Ministry of Health, decision-making committee

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Mini HTA

Country: Malaysia

Organisation Name: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Level 4, Block E1, Parcel E, 62590 Putrajaya Malaysia Tel: +603 8883 1229

Contact Name: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my

Contact Email: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my

Copyright: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS)