Just out in the International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care is an important new study that reviews appraisals of breast cancer and colorectal cancer medicines by HTA agencies in a selection of industrialised countries: Australia, Canada, France, Scotland, and the United Kingdom (England and Wales). The aims of the study are to identify the key determinants of decisions and understand the similarities and differences in the requirements of the five agencies.

Just out in the International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care is an important new study that reviews appraisals of breast cancer and colorectal cancer medicines by HTA agencies in a selection of industrialised countries: Australia, Canada, France, Scotland, and the United Kingdom (England and Wales). The aims of the study are to identify the key determinants of decisions and understand the similarities and differences in the requirements of the five agencies. The review demonstrates that HTA agencies sometimes reach different conclusions about the same medicines. The authors discuss possible reasons for these differences and offer recommendations for improving HTA processes.

Shah, K.K., Mestre-Ferrandiz, J., Towse, A. and Smyth, E.H. (2013) A review of health technology appraisals: Case studies in oncology. International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care. FirstView article. doi:10.1017/S0266462312000669. (subscription required)