Rituximab for the first-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

  • Technology appraisal guidance
  • TA174
  • Published: 
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7 Sources of evidence considered by the committee

The evidence review group (ERG) report for this appraisal was prepared by the Peninsula Technology Assessment Group, University of Exeter:

  • Main C, Moxham T, Pitt M and Stein K (2009) The clinical and cost-effectiveness of rituximab for the 1st line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: an evidence review of the submission from Roche.

The following organisations accepted the invitation to participate in this appraisal. They were invited to comment on the draft scope, the ERG report and the appraisal consultation document (ACD). The manufacturer or sponsor was also invited to make written submissions. Professional or specialist and patient or carer groups, and other consultees, had the opportunity to give their expert views. The manufacturer or sponsor, professional or specialist and patient or carer groups, and other consultees, also have the opportunity to appeal against the final appraisal determination.

  • Manufacturer or sponsor:

    • Roche Products

  • Professional/specialist and patient/carer groups:

    • British Society for Haematology

    • Cancer Research UK

    • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Support Association

    • Leukaemia CARE

    • Royal College of Nursing

    • Royal College of Pathologists

    • Royal College of Physicians, Medical Oncology Joint Special Committee

    • Royal College of Radiologists

    • United Kingdom CLL Forum

  • Other consultees:

    • Department of Health

    • Hampshire Primary Care Trust

    • Welsh Assembly Government

  • Commentator organisations (did not provide written evidence and without the right of appeal):

    • Bayer

    • Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for Northern Ireland

    • NHS Quality Improvement Scotland

    • Pharmacia.

The following individuals were selected from clinical specialist and patient advocate nominations from the non-manufacturer/sponsor consultees and commentators. They gave their expert personal view on rituximab for the first-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia by attending the initial committee discussion and providing written evidence to the committee. They were also invited to comment on the ACD.

  • Dr Donald Milligan, Consultant Haematologist, NCRI, nominated by the Royal College of Physicians – clinical specialist

  • Professor Andrew Pettitt, Professor of Haematology, University of Liverpool, nominated by the Royal College of Pathologists – clinical specialist

  • Mrs Jane Barnard, nominated by the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Support Association – patient expert

  • Mrs Jacquelyn Williams Durkin, nominated by the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Support Association – patient expert.