>>* Medicare advisers say more trials, data needed
* Panel seeks patient registries, centralized trials
* CMS will weigh recommendation, payment not on table
By Susan Heavey
WASHINGTON, April 21 (Reuters) - There is not enough evidence to sort out the effect of various radiation treatments for prostate cancer patients, especially newer, so-called focused radiation, an advisory panel told the U.S. Medicare agency on Wednesday.
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) panel of outside experts said large gaps in available data make it hard to weigh the impact particular radiation options may have on patients, including possible death or side effects. But it was divided over just how to collect much-needed information.
There is "insufficient evidence across the board," said panel chairman Clifford Goodman, a senior vice president at the Lewin Group.
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