A Belgian KCE-Assessment analysed –as an update of the 2007 report– the evidence for hadron therapy (proton and carbon ions) in 15 paediatric indications. As the Austrian MedAustron started operating in 2015 and the first patients are being treated, the external expertise of the LBI-HTA was included in the updated Belgian report. Now the LBI-HTA has –due to its regional relevance– produced a German summary of the KCE report.

In the assessment 21 clinical studies (non-randomised, non-controlled and mostly retrospective) were found. All studies showed serious methodological flaws. The conclusion therefore is that all paediatric cancers under investigation are lacking clinical data on PBT as well as critical information on long-term effectiveness and harms. Prospective comparative clinical trials in the field are urgently needed.