NICE (Single) Technology Appraisal Guidance No 124: Pemetrexed
for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) published advice on this
medication for this indication in February 2007:
Pemetrexed (Alimta) is not recommended for use within NHS
Scotland as a monotherapy for second-line treatment of patients
with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
Pemetrexed appears to have comparable efficacy and possibly a more
favourable toxicity profile compared to another agent used in
second–line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. However, the
economic case has not been demonstrated. In this case, there is no
material difference between the NICE STA and the SMC
recommendation.
http://www.nice.org.uk/TA124
NHSScotland should note that:
- NHS Boards should continue to adhere to the SMC advice.
- The new NICE single technology appraisal process is being
monitored by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, Scottish Executive
Health Department and SMC for a period of time. During this period
recommendations of NICE STAs will be only for noting by NHS
Scotland in the knowledge that SMC have already issued advice on
the medicine which NHSScotland should follow.
- Hard copies of NICE appraisals are available from NHS Quality
Improvement Scotland (contact Shonagh Buchanan, tel 0141 225 6993
or email shonagh.buchanan@nhs.net).
Published Date: 22 August 2007
