Advice
NICE is unable to make a recommendation about the use in the NHS of pembrolizumab for treating recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck after platinum-based chemotherapy because Merck Sharp & Dohme UK Ltd did not provide an evidence submission. The company has confirmed that it does not intend to make a submission for the appraisal because the technology is unlikely to be used at this point in the treatment pathway.
Information
If NHS organisations wish to consider pembrolizumab for treating recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck after platinum-based chemotherapy, they should follow the advice on rational local decision making in the NHS Constitution for England and the NHS Commissioning Board and Clinical Commissioning Groups (Responsibilities and Standing Rules) Regulations 2012. This outlines the approach that should be taken when there is no NICE guidance.
NICE will review the position if the company decides that it wants to make an evidence submission.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-3325-9