New finding likely to fuel cost-benefit debate over cancer care

A study published Thursday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute concluded that proton-beam therapy provided no long-term benefit over traditional radiation despite far higher costs.

The Wall Street Journal: Costly Cancer Care Dinged
In a finding likely to add fuel to the debate over treatments for prostate cancer, proton-beam therapy provided no long-term benefit over traditional radiation despite far higher costs, according to a study of 30,000 Medicare beneficiaries published Thursday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Beck, 12/13).

Reuters: More Pressure To Justify Cost Of Cancer Drugs Versus Benefits
Medical providers have begun to think more about cost, as well as safety and effectiveness, when they decide on cancer treatments. In the past, pharmaceutical companies could launch a high-priced drug with little push back (Beasley, 12/14).