Applications

1657 – Rhenium-188 brachytherapy for non-melanoma skin cancer

Find out about the service or technology in this application and the medical condition it addresses. You can also view the application documents, the deadlines for providing consultation input and the outcome of the application when the MSAC process is complete.

  • Status Complete
  • Type New application
  • Pre-PASC consultation Closed
  • Pre-MSAC consultation Closed
  • Outcome Not supported

Application details

Reason for application

New MBS item.

Service or technology in this application

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.

Type: Therapeutic

Medical condition this application addresses

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.

Consultation survey and deadlines

  • PASC consultation: Closed
  • MSAC consultation: Closed Friday 9 June 2023

Meetings to consider this application

  • PASC meeting: 9 to 10 December 2021
  • ESC meeting: 8 to 9 June 2023
  • MSAC meeting: 27 to 28 July 2023