[Lack of evidence of benefit - using the example of low dose rate brachytherapy for the treatment of localised prostate carcinoma].
The appraisal of new diagnostics or therapies performed by the Federal Joint Committee in Germany often reveals a dramatic lack of evidence of the benefit of such medical treatments. For example, the evaluation of low dose rate brachytherapy used to treat men with local prostate cancer demonstrates that controlled trials still need to be conducted to ensure evidence-based patient care. In Germany, legal incentives are missing to regularly assess the benefits of medical devices and operative techniques. For the sake of patient safety there is an urgent need for a change in law in order to initiate a systematic evaluation of these new medical technologies before their widespread use.
Abteilung Medizin, GKV-Spitzenverband, Berlin. Mechtild.Schmedders@gkv-spitzenverband.de
Mechtild
M
Schmedders
Matthias
M
Dettloff
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007883:Legislation, Medical / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000592:standards*