Important -NRIG publish recommendations on Stereotactic Rads

Public Archive
1

The National Radiotherapy Implementation Group have finally produced their recommendations to Commissioners and Clinicians regarding the commissioning, and use of SBRT (see link below). It is very worthwhile reading it, as it will be very useful for those who require funding for stereotactic radiotherapy such as Cyberknife or TomoTherapy.
Firstly, it makes clear that commissioning of SBRT should become the responsibility of the new Nationalised Commissioning Group (not GP commissioners).
Secondly, it recommends that SBRT is commissioned for the following cancers Lung Cancer ,Prostate Cancer ,Head & Neck cancer, Hepatic cancer ,Renal Cancer, Oligometastases, Spinal tumours,
Pancreatic cancer.
Thirdly, it suggests the above list should be a minimum, not maximum list.
Fourth, it suggests that commissioners should offset the cost of SBRT, by the savings it can produce (e.g, SBRT can delay the point when chemo is required).

I am personally very pleased with this report, because it supports all the points I have been making in my numerous letters to commissioners and policy makers (as well as on this forum). Also, while Commissioners are not compelled to accept the recommendations, it makes it increasingly difficult for them to resist funding. This is not the end of the funding war, but it certainly marks the beginning of the end.
ncat.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/NRIG%20SBRT.pdf

2

bumping so this does not get lost

and thanks again

3

Another bump - and many thanks for the tremendous work you have done on this issue Lemongrove - it is so encouraging to see this technology taking off.

4

You need a pat on the back for keeping the pressure on, LG. I hope I won’t ever need to make use of it, but it’s brilliant work on behalf of those who do.

Well done.

5

You’re a star LG.

6

Really great news, thank you for all your time and effort LG it was certainly worthwhile.

Marina x

7

LG what more can I add you are a star and thanks so much for keeping the pressure on,and keeping the rest of us up to speed Many Thanks J

8

Just want to emphasise the report is nothing to do with me - it’s a Government report. I just want peeps to be aware of it, so that if they need Cyberknife, and encounter problems getting funding they will have these recommendations on their side (and PCT’s find it difficult to ignore govt guidelines).
The job now is for all of us to insist that our local Specialised Commissioning Groups implement these recommendations.

9

But you have been pushing and making your (and our) presence felt, so accept the thanks for the work you have put in. While you didn’t WRITE the report, your activities helped to prompt others to write it.

So take your well-deserved thanks, both for pushing for this form of treatment and for keeping us informed!