Despite the fact that proton beam therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer is expensive, and its efficacy questionable, that didn’t stop local journalists from writing a puff piece touting its impending arrival in central Ohio.
Journalism professor Gary Schwitzer, however, takes them to task. He questions an advertisement in a local newspaper, and wonders why cost isn’t mentioned, nor any discussion of the benefits versus risks.
Granted, it is unlikely that any ad would include such information. But the soft reporting covering the story only furthers the perception that the newest, and more expensive, medical technology equals better care.
“Journalists could start talking about ‘rational’ health policy decisions,” writes Mr. Schwitzer. “And it starts on the local level, questioning whether any one area needs two – or even one – proton beam facility.”
Indeed.
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{ 4 comments }
Are two proton beam facilities (sited within a 5-mile radius of each other). needed in the Chicago area? One facility will be headed by the Fermilab scientist who built the first synchrotron and started Loma Linda’s program. They’ve contracted with Northwestern Memorial Faculty Foundation for doctors. Northern Illinois University (backer of this center) doesn’t have a med school AFAIK. The other facility, backed by Central DuPage Hospital broke ground a year earlier, and they’ve contracted with the area’s largest group of radiation oncologists.
Prof. Schwitzer is right – there is some controversity in the community, but neither NIU nor CDH appear ready to back down.
I do not know about the local politics of Ohio as I’m not in the area but I do know that proton beam therapy works and that it has been a blessing to many prostate cancer patients. Apart from the fact that the side effects are minimal and the quality of life issue is a large factor, many cancer patients who have previously had surgery have been saved by proton therapy after their cancer resurged. For some strange reason, no comparative studies have been made and do not seem to be in the immediate future. Suffice it to say that the number of satisfied patients speaks for volumes. For further education please check out The Brotherhood of the Balloon”. As a sidenote, smaller and less expensive proton machines are in development.
It’s competition baby. No matter that Wennberg has shown us that more technology leads to higher cost and overuse. As long as these healthcare organizations and private physician investors see the big dollars that are paid by 3rd party payers, they will put one up on every block…like Starbucks.
This crazy system will lead to a complete collapse of health care as we know it.
Forbes covered it as well:
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/0316/062_150mil_zapper.html
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