8 Sources of evidence considered by the Committee

A. The Evidence Review Group (ERG) report for this appraisal was prepared by Kleijnen Systematic Reviews:

Riemsma R, Al M, Corro Ramos I, Deshpande S et al. Axitinib for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma after failure of prior systematic treatment: a Single Technology Appraisal. York: Kleijnen Systematic Reviews Ltd (October 2012).

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. Company/sponsor:

  • Pfizer

II. Professional/specialist and patient/carer groups:

  • James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer

  • Kidney Cancer UK

  • Cancer Research UK

  • Royal College of Nursing

  • Royal College of Physicians

III. Other consultees:

  • Department of Health

  • NHS Devon

  • NHS Norfolk

  • Welsh Government

IV. Commentator organisations (did not provide written evidence and without the right of appeal):

  • Commissioning Support Appraisals Service

  • Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for Northern Ireland

  • Healthcare Improvement Scotland

  • National Cancer Research Institute

  • Kleijnen Systematic Reviews Ltd

  • National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme

  • National Collaborating Centre for Cancer

C. The following individuals were selected from clinical expert and patient expert nominations from the non‑company/sponsor consultees and commentators. They gave their expert personal view on axitinib for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma after failure of prior systemic treatment by attending the initial Committee discussion and providing written evidence to the Committee. They were invited to comment on the ACD.

  • Dr Janet Brown, Senior Lecturer, Honorary Consultant Medical Oncology, nominated by Royal College of Physicians – clinical expert

  • Professor Robert Hawkins, Director of Medical Oncology, nominated by Royal College of Physicians – clinical expert

  • Dr Pat Hanlon, nominated by Kidney Cancer UK – patient expert

  • Jacqueline Lowe, nominated by Kidney Cancer UK – patient expert

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

  • Pfizer

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)