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Cancer

01
Oct 2024

Med Tech-related health technology assessments from NIHR in August 2024

In August 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England released eight MedTech-related assessments in its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Journal, which concerned automated devices for identifying peripheral arterial disease, left ventricular assist devices as destination therapy, cerclage suture type to prevent pregnancy loss, gynecological cancer surveillance in Lynch syndrome, multiparametric MRI in bladder cancer pathway, in-home monitoring for people with glaucoma, real-time ultrasound elastography of thyroid nodules, and AI-based software for analyzing chest X-ray images. HTA Journal publishes research reports on the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage, and provide care in the NHS and informs National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.
17
Sep 2024

NICE prioritization board decisions published in August 2024

In August 2024, NICE prioritization board decisions were published regarding the following Med Tech-related topics: clinical guidelines on lower urinary tract symptoms in men (prioritized), NPi-200 for pupillary light reflex in critical care (not prioritized), Aquablation robotic therapy in benign prostatic hyperplasia (not prioritized), and tumor treating fields in glioblastoma (not prioritized).
11
Sep 2024

Favorable coverage decision for molecular gene profile analysis (Oncotype DX) in Norway

Molecular gene profile analysis (Oncotype DX) was evaluated within the "New Methods" framework starting in 2021. On August 26, 2024, the Decision Forum for "New Methods" recommended Oncotype DX to be introduced to predict the benefit of chemotherapy in postmenopausal patients with lymph node-positive, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative (HER2-) early-stage invasive breast cancer.
03
Sep 2024

NICE prioritization board decisions published in July 2024

NICE recently introduced a new centralized approach to prioritizing topics for its guidance and a decision-making body - a prioritization board. In July 2024, the decisions of the prioritization board were first published by NICE. Sixteen topics were prioritized, twenty were not prioritized, and one was withdrawn.
14
Aug 2024

HAS evaluated targeted high-throughput sequencing of gene panels in three oncological indications

On August 2, 2024, the HAS published positive opinions on the inclusion of targeted high-throughput sequencing of gene panels in the medical management of lung cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the NABM Nomenclature. This is a consequence of the efforts to disburden the innovation funding budget and clean the List of IVD tests outside the Nomenclature (Liste des actes hors nomenclatures, AHN, i.e., the merged 2023 RIHN List and the Supplementary List funded outside Statutory Health Insurance via the research and innovation budget).
12
Aug 2024

Permanent reimbursement for next-generation sequencing (NGS) in oncology launched in Belgium

On July 1, 2024, the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) introduced a new agreement (Convention), which allows permanent reimbursement for molecular biology tests by next-generation sequencing (NGS) in oncology and hemato-oncology. The tests were reimbursed temporarily in the context of the pilot Convention from 2019. Fifty-one new pseudo-nomenclature codes with tariffs were introduced. The pseudocode descriptions specify the indication, while certain biomarkers and reimbursement conditions are mentioned as notes to the code.
12
Jul 2024

The revised EBM catalog for the third quarter of 2024 published in Germany

On July 2, 2024, the revised EBM (German Uniform Evaluation Standard) catalog for the third quarter of 2024 was published. The changes introduced mainly concern updating the content of several EBM sections with the respective comments and/or clarifications and introducing the new EBM codes for several companion diagnostics tests, for follow-up and evaluation of the “Kranus Lutera” health app, and for the services provided within the co-funded study on bronchoscopic lung volume reduction in severe pulmonary emphysema using thermal ablation (rp-RL BTVA).
09
Jul 2024

Permanent reimbursement for next-generation sequencing (NGS) in oncology launched in Belgium

On July 1, 2024, the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) introduced a new agreement (Convention), which allows permanent reimbursement for molecular biology tests by next-generation sequencing (NGS) in oncology and hemato-oncology. The tests were reimbursed temporarily in the context of the pilot Convention from 2019. Fifty-one new pseudo-nomenclature codes with tariffs were introduced. The pseudocode descriptions specify the indication, while certain biomarkers and reimbursement conditions are mentioned as notes to the code.
26
Apr 2024

2024/25 Prescribed Specialised Services Operational Tool released in England

On April 3, 2024, NHS England published the 2024/25 Prescribed Specialised Services (PSS) Operational Tool. This Tool is used as a mechanism to identify whether healthcare activity belongs to specialized services using so-called identification rules. Forty-three new service lines were introduced in multiple areas, and eight service lines were amended.
22
Feb 2024

NHS Cancer Programme Innovation Open Call 3 announced in England

On January 26, 2024, NHS England announced the third round of the Innovation Open Call, funded by the NHS Cancer Programme. All types of late-stage innovations aimed at early detection and diagnosis of cancer are eligible, including medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics, digital health solutions, and AI. Awarded projects will be 100% funded up to the total value of £4 million to produce and evaluate evidence in a real-world setting, supporting adoption and spread by providers, commissioners, and regulators. The application submission will be open on April 8, 2024.