Transferability of Patient Selection Model for Proton Radiation Therapy to Lower-Income European Countries

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Technology Assessment
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Proton therapy offers an alternative to photon therapy for head and neck cancer.
• The Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) model aids patient selection in cancer treatment.
• Health Technology Assessment (HTA) plays a crucial role in healthcare decision-making, particularly in lower-income European countries (LIECs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the transferability of the NTCP model for head and neck cancer to LIECs.
• To support HTA recommendations in LIECs by adapting the NTCP model.
• To identify challenges and solutions for implementing the NTCP model in resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two workshops (November 2022, May 2023) within the HTx project to define transferability scope for head and neck cancer.
• Convened a final workshop (November 2023) with HTA experts from LIECs and HTx consortium representatives to review draft recommendations.
• Employed anonymous voting by experts to rank challenges in NTCP model transferability and facilitated discussions on potential solutions.

Main Results:

• Key challenges identified include lack of local data, differing patient pathways, and a shortage of HTA experts in LIECs.
• Workshop participants recognized the NTCP model as an advancement over existing HTA methods.
• Recommendations emphasize real-world data dissemination, stakeholder collaboration, and consideration of transferability for adapting novel methods.

Conclusions:

• A multinational expert panel concluded the NTCP model surpasses current HTA methods for head and neck cancer.
• Five key recommendations were formulated to address adoption challenges of the NTCP model in LIECs.
• Facilitating the transfer of the NTCP model can enhance HTA practices in lower-income European countries.