Spain

In September 2019, the Andalusian Health Technology Assessment Department (AETSA) has released an assessment report regarding the evaluation of epigenetic profiling to classify cancer of unknown primary (EPICUP). It was observed that people received empirical therapy without considering the results of EPICUP had a three times higher risk of dying compared to those with specific treatment of the location of the primary tumor, adjusting due to possible confounding factors.

We have released the first part of the interview on the Market Access Insider channel on Youtube. Lluis Bohigas, Former General Director of Planning at the Spanish Ministry of Health, Spain.

In early October 2019, the Health Evaluation and Quality Agency of Catalonia (AQuAS) published the assessment of cosmetic laser iridoplasty. The work revealed that it is recommended to undergo this intervention exclusively within clinical investigation settings and after getting approval by the ethics committee.

We have released the second part of the interview on the Market Access Insider channel on Youtube. Guillem Lopez Casasnovas, Professor of Economics at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, in Barcelona, Spain.

In September 2019, the Andalusian Health Technology Assessment Department (AETSA) has released an assessment report regarding the evaluation of PET scan usefulness in non-oncological indications. The performed analysis showed that the quality of available systematic reviews related to the issue is generally low and, in some cases, moderate. The high-quality reviews, which conclude that routine use cannot be recommended, were found only for the indication of cognitive impairment with suspected Alzheimer's disease.

In July 2019, the Health Technology Evaluation Service of the Basque County, OSTEBA, published a report titled “Indications, utility, and use of ultrasound in primary care.”

In May 2019, the Galician Agency for Health Technology Assessment, AVALIA-T, has released a report “Diagnostic and clinical utility of cerebral amyloid PET in mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and other dementias.”

In May 2019, the Galician Agency for Health Technology Assessment, AVALIA-T, has released a report “Laser or radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of recurrent thyroid cancer.”

In April 2019, the Andalusian Agency for Evaluation of Health Technologies, AETSA, has released a report updating the map of genetic tests available in the Spanish National Health System.

In April 2019, the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare announced the update of the common package of benefits of the Spanish national health system with the inclusion of cervical cancer screening, nipple and areola micropigmentation and update of orthoprosthesis catalog.

In April 2019, the Catalan Agency for Quality and Healthcare Evaluation, AQuAS, published a quick report with indication criteria for cochlear implants in children.

In January 2019, the Health Institute Carlos III published a report Diagnostic effectiveness and safety of elastography in oncology. An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis.