Incomplete Radiosurgery Comments

I must protest the manner in which my comments were represented in the Feb. 9 article on radiosurgery (“Radiosurgery Technique to Make O.C. Debut Today”).

A reporter spent approximately 25 minutes on the telephone asking my opinion about various matters relating to stereotactic radiosurgery, and what was discussed has been abbreviated in such a way as to make it look as if we at UCI (Medical Center) are completely insensitive to the issue of medical costs and the proliferation of expensive “high-tech” equipment.

Among the many issues covered, which were omitted, were my comments that UCI faculty already have extensive experience with stereotactic implants, that the plans for stereotactic radiosurgery at UCI were developed over one year ago and were carefully reviewed and approved prior to bids being invited from manufacturers. These bids are now being carefully evaluated to ensure the most cost-effective purchase.

UCI has a long-established, internationally recognized program in the neurosciences and an active, nationally recognized program in brain tumor treatment and research.

We have faculty with the appropriate expertise in medical physics, neurosurgery and radiation oncology to support a stereotactic radiosurgery program. We also have a significant patient population who will benefit from this treatment.

One of the issues the story raised was the number of units that could or should be installed in Orange County--a very pertinent question.

This technique, as a treatment for primary and metastatic malignant tumors, is still being subjected to careful research to establish optimum radiation doses and the number and frequency of treatments that should be used in different situations.

It appears that stereotactic radiosurgery equipment is being utilized by many hospitals, possibly some in Orange County, as a means to attract patients rather than as a carefully planned expansion of existing services that would benefit the hospital’s existing patient population or that would contribute to advances in tumor knowledge.

The uncontrolled proliferation of expensive equipment and services at medical centers and doctors’ offices is contributing to the increasing cost of medical care in the United States.

Unless hospitals and physicians address these issues responsibly, there is only one solution--government intervention and control.

MARTIN COLMAN, MD

Associate Professor and Acting Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology

UCI Medical Center