Summary
Intraoperative Radiotherapy (IORT) is a relatively new technology with potential as an alternative to conventional External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) for women with early-stage breast cancer.
An initial assessment examining the clinical safety and effectiveness of IORT was published by the former National Health Committee in 2015 (NHC Report).
This assessment examines the potential economic impacts of introducing IORT in New Zealand.
Having considered these reports, the Ministry has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to introduce IORT in the New Zealand public health system at this time. A key issue is that clinical equivalency between IORT and EBRT has not yet been established. Further clinical trials are underway internationally with results expected to be available after 2020.