3 Evidence

3.1

The appraisal committee considered evidence submitted by Merck and a review of this submission by the evidence review group. This appraisal was a Cancer Drugs Fund reconsideration of NICE's technology appraisal guidance on cetuximab for the treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCCHN). Sections 4.2 to 4.11 reflect the committee's consideration of the evidence submitted in the original appraisal. Sections 4.12 to 4.24 reflect the committee's considerations of the evidence submitted for the Cancer Drugs Fund reconsideration. The company focused on the subgroup of patients with oral cavity cancer from the EXTREME trial, and cost-effectiveness analyses using a patient access scheme that provides cetuximab at a reduced cost. After consultation, the company submitted additional 5‑year follow‑up data for this subgroup of patients, and a revised patient access scheme with a further discount. The level of discount is commercial in confidence.

3.2

See the committee papers for full details of the Cancer Drugs Fund reconsideration evidence, and the history for full details of the evidence used in NICE's original technology appraisal guidance on cetuximab for the treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN.

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)