Authors' objectives:

This study aims to assess the current evidence on preoperative high dose rate brachytherapy for rectal cancer.

Authors' recommendations: 1 Guidance 1.1 Current evidence on the short-term safety of preoperative high dose rate brachytherapy for rectal cancer and its efficacy in reducing tumour bulk appears adequate. However, evidence about the advantages of the procedure as an adjunct to surgery and its effect on long-term survival is not adequate to support the use of this procedure without special arrangements for consent, audit and clinical governance. 1.2 Clinicians wishing to undertake preoperative high dose rate brachytherapy for rectal cancer should take the following actions. : Inform the clinical governance leads in their Trusts. : Inform patients, as part of the consent process, about the uncertainty of the procedure influencing their long-term survival, and provide them with clear written information. Use of the Institute's information for patients ('Understanding NICE guidance') is recommended (available from www.nice.org.uk/IPG201publicinfo). : Audit and review clinical outcomes of all patients having preoperative high dose rate brachytherapy for rectal cancer. 1.3 Further research will be useful, and clinicians are encouraged to enter patients into well-designed trials and to collect longer-term follow-up data. The Institute may review the procedure upon publication of further evidence.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/IPG201

Year Published: 2006

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Contact Address: Level 1A, City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, M1 4BT

Contact Name: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Contact Email: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Copyright: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)