The KCE [Belgium’s independent scientific advisory institute] was mandated by INAMI/RIZIV [the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance] to evaluate the potential extension of the number of adult indications that can be reimbursed for proton therapy in Belgium. The conclusion of the report not to extend the current indications, goes against the decisions taken by a number of other countries and the general tendency of expanding proton therapy use. The report did not question the efficacy of proton therapy in its currently approved indications, nor its benefit in limiting damage to surrounding tissue.

For clarity, the KCE report examined the possibility of extending reimbursement to a further six types of cancer, in addition to the 21 already approved and reimbursed in Belgium (15 for children and six for adults).

IBA was surprised by the advice of the KCE report, which differs to what is happening in many countries renowned for the scientific discipline of their public health authorities. Many existing publications have led to an increase in the number of indications treated in The Netherlands, Germany, Scandinavia and the United States. In the Netherlands, for example, the "Gezondheidsraad" concluded that proton therapy might be the best treatment for 7,089 Dutch patients per year and the Minister of Healthcare recommended that eight treatment rooms should be built and six of these are already complete.
To date, around 180,000 patients worldwide have already benefited from proton therapy – a figure which is expected to double in the next five years. Collectively, the most prestigious oncology centers treat more than 24,000 patients per year, and continue to work together to increase the quantity and quality of the clinical evidence necessary for the wider adoption of this cutting-edge technology.

Proton Therapy offers many potential benefits to the patients treated such as:
1. The potential increase in therapeutic dose within the tumor to increase the probability of eradicating it.
2. The possibility of preserving healthy tissues around the tumor with a consequent reduction in side effects.
3. A reduction in the overall dose delivered to the patient, thus reducing the risk of a second cancer

In conclusion, it is regrettable that the KCE goes against the growing international trend aiming to extend the availability of Proton Therapy for a wider use and the benefit of patients. IBA’s aim is to allow all patients who could benefit from Proton Therapy to have access to it in the best conditions.


About IBA
IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) is a global medical technology company focused on bringing integrated and innovative solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The company is the worldwide technology leader in the field of proton therapy, considered to be the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today. IBA’s proton therapy solutions are flexible and adaptable, allowing customers to choose from universal full-scale proton therapy centers as well as compact, single room solutions. In addition, IBA also has a radiation dosimetry business and develops particle accelerators for the medical world and industry. Headquartered in Belgium and employing about 1,500 people worldwide, IBA has installed systems across the world.

IBA is listed on the pan-European stock exchange NYSE EURONEXT (IBA: Reuters IBAB.BR and Bloomberg IBAB.BB).

Rad Oncology Homepage