HEDS is part of the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) at the University of Sheffield. We undertake research, teaching, training and consultancy on all aspects of health related decision science, with a particular emphasis on health economics, HTA and evidence synthesis.

Wednesday 1 August 2018

Rarity and severity tips the balance in a NICE TA

The headline on the NICE website is “Cancer drug for children recommended after becoming cost effective for NHS patients”, but an examination of the FAD suggests otherwise:

“the range of cost-effectiveness estimates presented is higher than what NICE usually considers a cost-effective use of NHS resources. But taking into account the uncaptured health-related benefits, the rarity and severity of the disease and the potential lifetime benefit for children with neuroblastoma, dinutuximab beta can be recommended for high-risk neuroblastoma.”

Thin end of wedge?