Carmustine implants for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (terminated appraisal)

Background

The manufacturer of carmustine implants (Archimedes Pharma UK) was invited to submit evidence for this single technology appraisal in May 2007.

NICE did not receive a submission from the manufacturer that followed the specification for manufacturer or sponsor submissions of evidence for single technology appraisal and NICE's methodological reference case.

In July 2007, the manufacturer sent a 'submission statement' to NICE. In this statement the manufacturer expressed the view that following the publication of 'Carmustine implants and temozolomide for the treatment of newly diagnosed high-grade glioma' (NICE technology appraisal guidance 121) most patients will have received previous treatment with carmustine implants before they undergo subsequent surgery for recurrent glioblastoma. However, the manufacturer stated that all of the available data are from recurrent glioblastoma patients who have not previously received treatment with carmustine implants. Therefore the data do not reflect current clinical practice and it would not be possible to draw valid conclusions on cost effectiveness. The manufacturer also commented that only a small number of patients would undergo subsequent surgery for recurrent glioblastoma in England and Wales each year.

NICE has therefore terminated this single technology appraisal.