Appendix B: Sources of evidence considered by the Committee

A. The Evidence Review Group (ERG) report for this appraisal was prepared by The CRD and CHE Technology Assessment Group, University of York:

  • Rodgers M, et al. Bevacizumab in combination with a taxane for the first-line treatment of HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer, May 2010

B. The following organisations accepted the invitation to participate in this appraisal as consultees and commentators. They were invited to comment on the draft scope, the ERG report and the appraisal consultation document (ACD). Organisations listed in I were also invited to make written submissions. Organisations listed in II and III had the opportunity to give their expert views. Organisations listed in I, II and III also have the opportunity to appeal against the final appraisal determination.

I) Manufacturer/sponsor:

  • Roche Products

II) Professional/specialist and patient/carer groups:

  • Breakthrough Breast Cancer

  • Breast Cancer Care

  • Royal College of Nursing

  • Royal College of Physicians (NCRI Breast Clinical Studies Group/RCP/RCR/ACP/JCCO)

III) Other consultees:

  • NHS Kensington and Chelsea

  • NHS Milton Keynes

C. The following individuals were selected from clinical specialist and patient expert nominations from the non-manufacturer/sponsor consultees and commentators. They gave their expert personal view on bevacizumab in combination with a taxane for the first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer by attending the initial Committee discussion and providing written evidence to the Committee. They were also invited to comment on the ACD.

  • Dr Paul Ellis, Senior Medical Oncologist, Guys Hospital, nominated by The Royal College of Physicians (NCRI/RCP/RCR/ACP/JCCO) – clinical specialist

  • Ms Maria Leadbeater, nominated by Breast Cancer Care – patient expert

D. The following individuals were nominated as NHS Commissioning experts by the selected PCT allocated to this appraisal. They gave their expert/NHS commissioning personal view on bevacizumab in combination with a taxane for the first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer by attending the initial Committee discussion and providing written evidence to the Committee. They were also invited to comment on the ACD.

  • Dr Don Sinclair, Public Health Consultant, nominated by NHS Milton Keynes – NHS Commissioning expert

E. Representatives from the following manufacturer/sponsor attended Committee Meetings. They contributed only when asked by the Committee chair to clarify specific issues and comment on factual accuracy.

  • Roche Products

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)