NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance No 68 - Photodynamic therapy
for age-related macular degeneration
NICE Guidance link - http://guidance.nice.org.uk/TA68
NHS Scotland should note that no important differences were
identified for this NICE Guidance, and NHS Quality Improvement
Scotland advises that it is as valid for Scotland as for England
and Wales.
In section 1.2 of the NICE Guidance it notes that clinical
studies should be used to collect outcome data for predominantly
classic choroidal neovascularisation (CNV). A Verteporfin
Photodynamic Therapy Cohort Study organised by the Royal College of
Ophthalmologists has been developed to meet this need and will
ensure managed introduction of PDT. It will include quality
assurance to accurately identify patients with classic with no
occult subfoveal CNV, and predominantly classic CNV who are
suitable for treatment. It will also gather the clinical and cost
effectiveness data identified in the NICE guidance so that this
evidence can inform future use of the technology. Discussions are
ongoing as to the most appropriate way to ensure patients in
Scotland are appropriately identified for treatment and can
contribute to the evaluation of PDT.
NHSScotland should take account of this NICE Guidance and NHS
Quality Improvement Scotland advice in its planning, funding and
provision of services to ensure that recommended drugs or
treatments are made available to meet clinical need.
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland advice represents the
evidence-based view of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.
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.
No other publication on the NICE Guidance will be issued by NHS
Quality Improvement Scotland.
Hard copies of the NICE Guidance are available from NHS Quality
Improvement Scotland (contact Tracey Smiley, tel 0141 225
6993) and all NICE Guidance and NHS Quality Improvement Scotland
advice is available on this website.
Published Date: 24 September 2003
