Author/Authors :
Arabloo, Jalal Health Management and Economics Research Center - Iran University of Medical Sciences & Department of Health Management and Economics - School of Public Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Hamouzadeh, Pejman epartment of Health Management and Economics - School of Public Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Mousavinezhad, Maryam Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Mobinizadeh, Mohammadreza Young Researchers and Elites Club - Science and Research Branch Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran , Olyaeemanesh, Alireza National Institute for Health Research - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Pooyandjoo, Morvarid Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Image-guided radiotherapy used multiple imaging during the radiation therapy
course to improve the precision and accuracy of health care provider's treatment.
Objectives: This study aims to assess the safety, effectiveness and economic aspects of image-guided
radiation therapy for decision-making about this technology in Iran.
Methods: In this study, the most important medical databases such as PubMed and Cochrane Library
were searched until November 2014. The systematic reviews, health technology assessment
reports and economic evaluation studies were included. The results of included studies were analyzed
via the thematic synthesis.
Results: Seven articles were included in the study. The results showed that image-guided radiation
therapy, regardless of the imaging technique used in it, is associated with no major toxicity and has
the potential to reduce the symptoms of poisoning. Using image-guided radiation therapy for prostate
cancer resulted in substantial improvement in the quality of the received dose and optimal therapeutic
dose of radiation to the targeted tumor while the radiation dose to the surrounding healthy tissues
was minimal. Additionally, image-guided radiation therapy facilitated the diagnosis and management
of exception deviations, including immediate changes and gross errors, weight loss, significant limbs
deformity, systematic changes in the internal organs and changes in respiratory movements. Usage of
image-guided radiation therapy for prostate cancer was associated with increased costs.
Conclusion: Current available evidence suggests that the image-guided radiation therapy can reduce
the amount of radiation to healthy tissue around the tumor and the toxicity associated with it.
This can enhance the safe dose of radiation to the tumor and increase the likelihood of destruction of
tumor. The current level of evidence required conducting further studies on the costs and effectiveness
of this technology compared with conventional technology.
