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<p>In July 2011, the National Radiotherapy Implementation Group concluded that current
evidence supports treatment withstereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for only
a small number of patients. The evidence supports its use in the treatment of early
stage lung cancers for patients who are unsuitable for surgery (approximately 1,000
per annum).</p><p> </p><p>NHS England recognises the positive clinical impact that
its national policy on SABR for the treatment of early non-small cell lung cancer
has had. It is currently examining the potential use of SABR in patients with oligometastatic
disease – where a cancer is in the early stages of spreading.</p><p> </p><p>NHS England
is also currently undertaking a review of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and SABR
for intracranial conditions to establish what the national demand is in line with
its national clinical commissioning policies on SRS and SABR, and what the national
capacity requirements are for this specialised treatment. Following the review it
is planned that a final decision will be taken by the Specialised Commissioning Oversight
Group in October 2014.</p><p> </p><p>Later this year, the Radiotherapy Clinical Reference
Group will review its current policy position on SABR to assess whether there is new
evidence to recommend its use on other conditions. It is important to ensure that
treatments commissioned are supported by robust evidence of their benefit to patients.</p><p>
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