Consensus guidelines for radiation therapy of benign diseases: a multicenter approach in Germany.
PURPOSE: To overcome the lack of written guidelines for radiation therapy (RT) of benign diseases, the German Working Group on Radiotherapy of Benign Diseases initiated a consensus process in 1999 to warrant continuous quality assurance and outcome research in this field. METHODS: An expert panel was convened to define key issues and develop written guidelines for RT of benign diseases. Pertinent information and data from published literature were reviewed, and data of most importance were identified. In addition, a patterns of care study was conducted to obtain a nationwide survey on the current status and treatment standards. RESULTS: From the data gathered, the expert panel prepared a first consensus statement that was open to propositions and comments from all participating institutions. After completion of the multicenter discussion, a final written consensus statement was compiled, discussed, and finally agreed on during a national conference of radiation therapists. For each individual nonmalignant disease, the accepted RT concepts were documented. Finally, specific evaluation tools and recommendations for follow-up examinations were defined. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, written consensus guidelines for RT of nonmalignant diseases have been developed by the interaction of all institutions involved. These guidelines may serve as a starting point for quality assessment, prospective clinical trials, and outcome research.