24 June 2009

NICE

Alzheimer's disease - donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine (review): final appraisal determination (10th June 2009)
After considering the feedback from consultation, the Appraisal Committee has prepared a Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) on donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine (review) and memantine for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and submitted it to the Institute.

The FAD has been sent to the formal consultees for this appraisal who have 15 working days to consider whether they wish to appeal against it. Closing date for comments is 1st July 2009.
FAD


Leukaemia (chronic lymphocytic, first line) - rituximab: final appraisal determination (15th June 2009)
After considering the feedback from consultation, the Appraisal Committee has prepared a Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) on rituximab for first line chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and submitted it to the Institute.

The FAD has been sent to the formal consultees for this appraisal who have 15 working days to consider whether they wish to appeal against it. Subject to any appeal by consultees, the FAD may be used as the basis for the Institute's guidance on the use of the appraised technology in the NHS in England and Wales.
FAD


Cervical cancer (recurrent) - topotecan: appraisal consultation (17th June 2009)
The Department of Health has asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to produce guidance on using topotecan in the NHS in England and Wales. The Appraisal Committee has considered the evidence submitted by the manufacturer and the views of non-manufacturer consultees and commentators, and clinical specialists and patient experts. Closing date for comments is 8th July 2009.
Consultation


Patient access scheme submission template (19th June 2009)
This document is the patient access scheme submission template for technology appraisals. If manufacturers and sponsors wish to submit a patient access scheme to the appraisals programme of the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) they should do so using this template. A patient access scheme will only be considered by the Appraisal Committee after Ministers have agreed in principle with the proposed patient access scheme. Closing date for comments is 19th June 2009.
Consultation


Review of the single and multiple technology appraisal processes. Section 5 - Patient Access and Flexible Pricing Schemes (19th June 2009)
The Institute has undertaken a review of the Guides to the Single and Multiple Technology Appraisal Processes. These guides contain information on how technology appraisals are conducted.

NICE had originally planned to publish updated guides on the Single and Multiple Technology Appraisal Processes in June 2009. However, the arrangements within the 2009 Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS) agreement has required a further update to the process guides. Closing date for comments is 19th June 2009.
Consultation


Cetuximab for the treatment of metastatic and/or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Technology Appraisal Guidance TA172 (24th June 2009)
Cetuximab in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy is not recommended for people with recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell cancer of the head and neck.

Healthcare professionals should not stop prescribing cetuximab in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for people who were already taking it when the guidance was issued. These people should be able to carry on taking cetuximab until they and their healthcare professionals decide that it is the right time to stop treatment.
Guidance


Lenalidomide for the treatment of multiple myeloma in people who have received at least one prior therapy: Technology Appraisal Guidance TA171 (24th June 2009)
Lenalidomide (used together with a medicine called dexamethasone) is recommended as a possible treatment for people with multiple myeloma who have already had at least two other treatments. The manufacturer of lenalidomide has agreed to cover the cost of the drug for people who stay on treatment for more than 26 cycles (normally a period of 2 years).

Healthcare professionals should not stop prescribing lenalidomide for people with multiple myeloma who were already taking it when the guidance was issued, but who have not already had two or more other treatments. These people should be able to carry on taking lenalidomide until they and their healthcare professional(s) decide that it is the right time to stop treatment.
Guidance


Percutaneous endoscopic laser cervical discectomy: Interventional Procedure Guidance IPG303 (24th June 2009)
Symptomatic thoracic disc herniation is when one of the discs in the top of the back which act as cushions between the bones bursts and pushes against the spinal cord or nerve roots that run through the backbone, causing: pain in the neck or back, weakness and numbness in the arms or legs, or bladder problems.

The aim of a percutaneous endoscopic laser discectomy is to remove the part of the disc that is pushing against the spinal cord or nerve root. A small cut is made in the skin and special equipment including a laser is used to heat and destroy some of the disc and remove the part that is sticking out to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve root.
Guidance

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