Application Detail

Description of Medical Service

The proposed service is a novel form of brachytherapy for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), which uses the Beta emitter radioisotope Rhenium-188. During treatment, the affected area of the skin is covered with the sterile protective foil. The Rhenium-188 is then applied in a matrix on the foil using a special applicator device. The irradiation time required to achieve the desired target dose at the defined penetration depth is calculated based on the radioactivity of the substance being applied and the surface area to be treated. After the calculated irradiation time, the matrix is removed by pulling the foil from the skin. It can be provided without anaesthesia, over a short period of time in an outpatient setting.

Description of Medical Condition

NMSC, also known as keratinocyte cancer, includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and various other less common lesions. The most common cause of NMSC is sun exposure, while other predisposing factors include genetic skin conditions and immunosuppressive diseases or treatments.

Reason for Application

New MBS item

Medical Service Type

Therapeutic

Previous Application Number/s

1657

Associated Documentation

Application Summary and PICO Set

Application Summary (PDF 179 KB)
Application Summary (Word 25 KB)

PICO Set (PDF 667 KB)
PICO Set (Word 296 KB)

Consultation Survey

Consultation Survey

PASC Consultation
Bypassing PASC

MSAC Consultation
MSAC consultation closes Friday 14 February 2025.

For further information please refer to PASC, ESC, MSAC Key Dates
For further information on the consultation process please refer to MSAC Consultation Process

PICO Confirmation

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Assessment Report

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Public Summary Document

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Meetings for this Application

PASC

Bypassing PASC

ESC

13-14 February 2025

MSAC

3-4 April 2025