Appendix B: Sources of evidence considered by the Committee

A. The Evidence Review Group (ERG) report for this appraisal was prepared by the Centre for Health Economics, University of York and NHS Northern and Yorkshire Regional Drug and Therapeutics Centre, Newcastle.

  • Griffin S et al. Cetuximab for the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, September 2006.

B. The following organisations accepted the invitation to participate in this appraisal. 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 gave their expert views on cetuximab by providing a written statement to the Committee. Organisations listed in I, II and III were requested to submit further evidence as a result of the appeal decision. Organisations listed in I and II have the opportunity to appeal against the final appraisal determination.

I) Manufacturer/sponsor:

  • Merck Pharmaceuticals UK

II) Professional/specialist and patient/carer groups:

  • British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists

  • British Association of Head and Neck Oncology Nurses

  • British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

  • Cancer Networks Pharmacists Forum (BOPA)

  • Cancer Research UK

  • Cancerbackup

  • Department of Health

  • Get A-Head

  • Let's Face it

  • Mouth Cancer Foundation

  • National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs

  • Royal College of General Practitioners

  • Royal College of Nursing

  • Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

  • Royal College of Pathologists

  • Royal College of Physicians' Medical Oncology Joint Special Committee

  • Royal College of Radiologists

  • Royal Pharmaceutical Society

  • Sheffield South West PCT

  • Welsh Assembly Government

III) Commentator organisations (without the right of appeal):

  • British National Formulary

  • Centre for Health Economics, University of York and the Regional Drug and Therapeutics Centre, Newcastle

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

  • King's College Hospital Maxillofacial Unit – The Head and Neck Oncology Group

  • Medical Research Council (MRC) Clinical Trials Unit

  • National Collaborating Centre for Cancer

  • National Coordinating Centre for Health Technology Assessment

  • NHS Quality Improvement

C. The following individuals were selected from clinical specialist and patient advocate nominations from the non-manufacturer/sponsor consultees and commentators. They gave their expert personal view on cetuximab by attending the initial Committee discussion and providing written evidence to the Committee. They were also invited to comment on the ACD.

  • Dr Nick Slevin, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, nominated by the Royal College of Radiologists – clinical specialist

  • Dr Kevin Harrington, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, nominated by the Royal College of Radiologists – clinical specialist (written statement only)

  • Ms Brenda Brady, nominated by the Mouth Cancer Foundation – patient expert

  • Mrs Jean Fraser, nominated by the National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs – patient expert

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)