NICE (Multiple) Technology Appraisal Guidance No
243 – Rituximab for the first-line treatment of stage
III–IV follicular lymphoma (review of NICE technology appraisal
guidance 110)
This guidance states that rituximab, in
combination with:
- cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone
(CVP),
- cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and
prednisolone (CHOP),
- mitoxantrone, chlorambucil and prednisolone
(MCP),
- cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide,
prednisolone and interferon-α (CHVPi), or chlorambucil,
is recommended as an option for the treatment of
symptomatic stage III and IV follicular lymphoma in previously
untreated people.
Web reference for appraisal and other
related documents: http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/TA243
NHSScotland should note
that:
1. No important differences were identified
for this NICE appraisal and Healthcare Improvement Scotland advises
that the recommendations are as valid for Scotland as for England
and Wales.
2. The recommendations replace the
recommendations in TA110 relating to the use of rituximabin this
indication.
Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has
previously issued guidance to NHSScotland on the use of rituximab
in this indication (493/08).
The recommendations of NICE and SMC are
consistent.
3. NHSScotland should take account of the NICE
appraisal and this Healthcare Improvement Scotland email in its
planning, funding and provision of services to ensure that
recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical
need.
4. Copies of the NICE appraisal can be
downloaded from http://www.nice.org.uk. Also on the website are
tools that NICE has developed to help organisations implement this
guidance (costing statement and audit support). NICE MTA costing
templates now include the NHSScotland boards. However, please note
that the care pathway described in the costing tool may not
completely reflect practice in NHSScotland.
Finally, an easy to read summary of the
appraisal, called "understanding NICE guidance" is published on the
NICE website to provide information for patients and the
public.
5. Healthcare Improvement Scotland advice
represents the evidence-based view of Healthcare Improvement
Scotland.
6. This advice does not override or replace
the individual responsibility of health professionals to make
appropriate decisions in the circumstances of their individual
patients, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or
carer.
7. No other publications on the NICE appraisal
will be issued by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
If you need further assistance, please contact
Eleanor Brownlee in
the first instance tel 0141 225 6873
Published Date: 25 January 2012
