The scoping process for this assessment is described in NICE technology appraisal and highly specialised technologies guidance: the manual. The process and methods that NICE will follow for the remainder of the assessment process, after scoping, will depend on the assessment type. It will follow either the NICE technology appraisal and highly specialised technologies guidance: the manual if the assessment type is via the National HealthTech Access Programme, otherwise it will follow the NICE HealthTech programme manual.
- Status:
- In progress
- Technology type:
- Device
- Decision:
- Selected
- Prioritisation programme:
- HealthTech
- Rationale:
Anticipate the topic will be of importance to patients, carers, professionals, commissioners and the health of the public to ensure clinical benefit is realised, inequalities in use addressed, and help them make the best use of NHS resources
- Process:
- HTE
- Description:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and usually develops in people with underlying chronic liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. Most HCC cases are asymptomatic in the early stages, and many people are diagnosed when the disease is advanced, limiting treatment options and contributing to poor outcomes. Because of this, surveillance for HCC in those at risk – such as most people with cirrhosis and some people with Hepatitis B or C – is recommended in the NHS. It involves an ultrasound and testing for a biomarker called serum alpha‑fetoprotein (AFP) every 6 months. However, this approach is suboptimal, particularly due to its low sensitivity for early-stage HCC and the operator dependency of ultrasound. Blood‑based diagnostic tests which use additional biomarkers alongside clinical characteristics have been developed. These technologies could improve early detection rates of cancer, support timelier access to potentially curative treatment and improve outcomes for people with HCC.
Provisional Schedule
- Scoping workshop:
- 21 July 2026
- Final scope:
- 29 July 2026
Project Team
- Project lead
- Toni Gasse
Email enquiries
If you have any queries please email HealthTech2@nice.org.uk
- External Assessment Group:
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination and Centre for Health Economics, University of York
Timeline
Key events during the development of the guidance:
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| 18 May 2026 | In progress. Scoping starts |
| 22 January 2026 | Awaiting development. Status change linked to topic prioritisation decision being set to Selected |
For further information on our processes and methods, please see our HealthTech programme manual.