Cetuximab for head and neck and colorectal cancer - horizon scanning review
NHSC
Record Status
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.
Citation
NHSC. Cetuximab for head and neck and colorectal cancer - horizon scanning review. Birmingham: National Horizon Scanning Centre (NHSC). New and Emerging Technology Briefing. 2002
Authors' objectives
To summarise the available evidence on cetuximab for head and neck and colorectal cancer.
Authors' conclusions
- Clinical impact: Although the number of patients with advanced head and neck cancer is relatively small, their prognosis is poor and their treatment options are limited and most have severe adverse effects on quality of life. The number of people with advanced colorectal cancer is much more significant, but there are more alternative therapies.
- Service impact: There will be little additional impact on current services as cetuximab is currently given in combination with radio- or chemotherapy.
- Additional factors: Patients with refractory cancer will welcome any therapy that could prolong survival and especially one with relatively few adverse effects.
- Financial and overall NHS impact: It is impossible to predict the overall impact of cetuximab on the NHS or costs at this stage of development, but any costs associated with its use will be in addition to current drug costs and could be substantial.
Antibodies, Monoclonal /therapeutic use; Colorectal Neoplasms /drug therapy; Head and Neck Neoplasms /drug therapys
Language Published
English
Country of organisation
England
English summary
An English language summary is available.
Address for correspondence
Department of Public Health&Epidemiology The University of Birmingham Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT United Kingdom Tel: +44 121 414 7831; Fax: +44 121 414 2269 Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk