The Institute's technology appraisal guidance on topotecan, PLDH and paclitaxel for ovarian cancer has become due for review. The Institute has written to all the consultees involved in the development of the original guidance to consult on a proposal that the review be incorporated into the future guideline on ovarian cancer. Many of the respondents to consultation suggested that it would be appropriate at this time to review the guidance on the drugs for ovarian cancer, rather than incorporate them into a future guideline. After consideration of the comments received from consultees, (in particular those concerning the recently published ICON4 trial) by the Institute's Guidance Executive, it has been decided thet a combined review of the drugs will be timetabled to commence in February 2004.
All consultees will be contacted in early 2004 with further details on the proposed scope of the merged appraisals, and in line with our standard processes will be given the opportunity to comment on the approach taken.
