8 Sources of evidence considered by the Committee

A. The Evidence Review Group (ERG) report for this appraisal was prepared by Liverpool Reviews & Implementation Group (LRiG):

  • Greenhalgh J, Mahon J, Richardson M, et al, Pembrolizumab for treating advanced melanoma previously untreated with ipilimumab: A Single Technology Appraisal, July 2015

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. Organisations listed in I were also invited to make written submissions. Organisations listed in II gave their expert views on pembrolizumab by making a submission to the Committee. Organisations listed in I, II and III have the opportunity to appeal against the final appraisal determination.

I. Company

  • Merck Sharp & Dohme (pembrolizumab)

II. Professional/expert and patient/carer groups:

  • British Association of Dermatologists

  • Cancer Research UK

  • Melanoma Focus

  • Melanoma UK

  • Royal College of Pathologists

  • Royal College of Physicians

  • UK Clinical Pharmacy Association

III. Other consultees:

  • Department of Health

  • NHS England

  • Welsh Government

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

  • Bristol‑Myers Squibb (ipilimumab)

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

  • Healthcare Improvement Scotland

  • Roche Products (vemurafenib)

C. The following individuals were selected from clinical expert and patient expert nominations from the consultees and commentators. They gave their expert personal view on pembrolizumab by providing oral evidence to the Committee.

  • Mrs Kathryn Silvester‑Eccles, nominated by organisation representing Melanoma UK – patient expert

  • Mrs Gillian Nuttall, nominated by organisation representing Melanoma UK – patient expert

  • Dr Pippa Corrie, Consultant Medical Oncologist, nominated by organisation representing National Cancer Research Institute/Royal College of Physicians/Royal College of Radiologists/Association of Cancer Physicians – clinical expert

  • Dr Martin Highley, Consultant Medical Oncologist, nominated by organisation representing Melanoma Focus – clinical expert

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

  • Merck Sharp & Dohme (pembrolizumab)

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)