Feature / NICE update

NICE published the following guidance in March.

Technology Appraisal guidance

• TA307 Aflibercept colorectal cancer (metastatic) – This technology guidance is not recommended within its marketing authorisation for treating metastatic colorectal cancer that is resistant to or has progressed after an oxaliplatin containing regimen. As a result, no significant costs are anticipated.

• TA308 Rituximab in combination with glucocorticoids for treating anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis – This technology is estimated to cost approximately £1.1m per annum at a national level. However, because rituximab is already routinely funded by NHS England for most people for whom this technology is recommended by the NICE guidance, costs are not expected to be significant.

Public health guidance

• PH50 Contraceptive services with a focus on young people up to the age of 25 – The cost impact of implementing the guidance will vary locally depending on current practice and service provision. There may be costs associated with commissioning and providing contraceptive services in addition to existing services. Those costs may be offset by saving from a reduction in the number of future unintended pregnancies.

Medical technology

• MTG 17 Debrisoft monofilament?debridement pad for use in acute or chronic wounds – The Debrisoft monofilament debridement pad is a sterile, single-use pad for nurses and other healthcare professionals for use on adults and children to remove devitalised tissue, debris, and hyperkeratotic skin present on acute or chronic wounds. The annual saving from the pad as a treatment option in the management of acute or chronic wounds in the community is estimated as £26,000 for a population of 100,000.

NICE update was prepared by Stephen Brookfield, (senior costing analyst) at NICE