10.07.2008

Medicare Panel Doubts Effectiveness of PET Scans for Broader Cancer Detection

by Astrid Fiano, Writer

A U.S. Medicare Advisory panel on Evidence Development and Coverage has determined that the current clinical data for nine conditionally approved cancer indications of Fluoro-D-Glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), are too ambivalent to lift current restrictions and support further Medicare coverage.

The panel convened on August 20, 2008 to focus on the oncologic indications of FDG PET for nine cancers (brain, cervical, small cell lung, ovarian, pancreatic, testicular, prostate, bladder and kidney). The panel reviewed the scientific evidence of the impact of PET as part of a management strategy to improve patient-centered outcomes. The panel also considered data generated in accordance with a prior national coverage determination to cover PET for specified cancers.

source: DOTmed News

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