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1.
Int J Dermatol ; 2024 Jan 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38297428

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although metastatic cutaneous melanoma is associated with an unfavorable prognosis, innovative therapies including immunomodulating agents and targeted therapies have shown survival benefits in clinical trials. We assessed the impact of the introduction of innovative drugs into clinical practice on the survival of patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma during the period 2004-2017, in Belgium. The evolution of associated expenses was also analyzed. METHODS: This is a retrospective population-based study using data from the national Belgian Cancer Registry, compulsory health insurance, and administrative survival data. The immunomodulating drugs were ipilimumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab, while targeted therapies included vemurafenib, dabrafenib and trametinib. RESULTS: We did not identify a trend for improvement over time. Median survival (years) was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1-1.8) in 2004-2008, 1.1 (95% CI: 0.8-1.5) in 2009-2013, and 1.6 (95% CI: 1.3-2.4) in 2014-2017, respectively. In contrast, survival improved in those with unknown primary tumor localization. In this group, median survival time was 2.0 (95% CI: 1.4-2.9) in the most recent period, while it was 1.1 (95% CI: 0.7-1.3) in 2009-2013, and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.6-1.2) in 2004-2008. The uptake of innovative drugs remained modest, with no drug being used by more than 30% of patients. Yearly expenditure was almost non-existent, and gradually increased, reaching several million euros in 2014-2017. CONCLUSION: Patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma who were diagnosed between 2004 and 2017 showed no apparent improvement in survival. In contrast, increased survival was observed in the subgroup of patients with unknown primary tumor localization.

2.
Orphanet J Rare Dis ; 18(1): 212, 2023 07 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37491269

ABSTRACT

AIM: To determine the level of evidence for innovative high-risk medical devices at market entry. METHODS: We reviewed all Belgian healthcare payer (RIZIV-INAMI) assessor reports on novel implants or invasive medical devices (n = 18, Class IIb-III) available between 2018 to mid-2019 on applications submitted for inclusion on their reimbursement list. We also conducted a review of the literature on evidence gaps and an analysis of relevant legal and ethical frameworks within the European context. FINDINGS: Conformity assessment of medical devices is based on performance, safety, and an acceptable risk-benefit balance. Information submitted for obtaining CE marking is confidential and legally protected, limiting access to clinical evidence. Seven out of the 18 RIZIV-INAMI assessor reports (39%) included a randomized controlled trial (RCT) using the novel device, whilst 2 applications (11%) referred to an RCT that used a different device. The population included was inappropriate or unclear for 3 devices (17%). Only half of the applications presented evidence on quality of life or functioning and 2 (11%) presented overall survival data. Four applications (22%) included no data beyond twelve months. The findings from the literature demonstrated similar problems with the study design and the clinical evidence. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: CE marking does not indicate that a device is effective, only that it complies with the law. The lack of transparency hampers evidence-based decision making. Despite greater emphasis on clinical benefit for the patient, the provisions of the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) are not yet fully aligned with international ethical standards for clinical research. The MDR fails to address key issues, such as the lack of access to data submitted for CE marking and a failure to require evidence of clinical effectiveness. Indeed, a first report shows no improvement in the clinical evidence for implantable devices generated under the MDR. Thus, patients may continue to be exposed to ineffective or unsafe novel devices. The Health Technology Assessment Regulation plans for Joint Scientific Consultations for specific high-risk devices before companies begin their pivotal clinical investigations. The demanded comparative evidence should facilitate payer decisions. Nevertheless, there is also a need for legislation requiring comparative RCTs assessing patient-relevant outcomes for high-risk devices to ensure implementation, including development and implementation of common specifications for study designs.


Subject(s)
Research Design , Technology Assessment, Biomedical , Humans , Europe , Risk Assessment , Treatment Outcome , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
3.
BMJ ; 381: 740, 2023 04 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37011919
5.
Eur J Cancer ; 182: 23-37, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36731327

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency typically approve market access for cancer drugs based on surrogate end-points, which do not always translate into substantiated improvements in outcomes that matter the most to patients, i.e. survival and quality of life. These drugs often, also, have a high price tag. We assessed whether there was an increase in cancer drug expenditure for a broad selection of indications, and whether this correlates with increased overall survival. METHODS: This cohort study used Belgian Cancer Registry data from 125,692 patients (12 cancer indications, incidence period 2004-2017), which was linked to reimbursement and survival data. This reliably represents the Belgian situation. One-to-five year observed survival probability, median survival time, oncology drug expenditure and mean oncology drug cost per patient were reviewed. FINDINGS: In almost all indications, total expenditure and average treatment cost for oncology drugs increased over the years (2004-2017). In contrast, mixed findings are observed for the evolution in overall survival probability and median survival time. While an absolute improvement in the 3-year survival probability of about 10% is noticed in non-small-cell lung cancer and chronic myeloid leukaemia, improvements in about half of the other indications are limited or even absent. INTERPRETATION: The Belgian observational data indicate that assuming 'innovative' oncology drugs always add value in terms of improved survival is often unjustified. The literature also highlights the problem of using surrogate end-points, and the lack of comparative evidence showing an added value of oncology drugs for both survival and quality of life at market approval or during the post-marketing phase. Comparative studies should be conducted in the pre-marketing phase that are suitable for registration purposes, aid reimbursement decisions and support physicians and patients when making treatment decisions.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Lung Neoplasms , Neoplasms , Humans , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Belgium , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Cohort Studies , Drug Approval , Health Expenditures , Incidence , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Quality of Life
6.
Int J Gynecol Cancer ; 33(4): 543-548, 2023 04 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36604121

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Advanced ovarian cancer has a poor prognosis, with a 5 year survival probability of <30%. Attempts to improve survival have focused on debulking surgery and systemic therapy. We assessed the evolution of treatment patterns and survival of patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer with specific attention to changes in survival after introducing bevacizumab. METHODS: Population based data from the Belgian Cancer Registry were coupled with administrative reimbursement data from the compulsory health insurance organizations and the national database where date of death is registered, based on the patient's unique national number. Patients with epithelial ovarian cancer stage IV diagnosed in 2004-17 were included. The proportion of patients who underwent debulking surgery and received bevacizumab was calculated per incidence year. Survival was compared for the three incidence periods (2004-08, 2009-13, 2014-17) and before and after the introduction of bevacizumab. RESULTS: 2034 patients with stage IV epitheial ovarian cancer were included. From 2012 onwards, uptake of bevacizumab increased, with 50% of patients with stage IV ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2017 receiving bevacizumab. The proportion of stage IV patients who underwent debulking surgery also increased over time, from 21.1% in 2004-08 to 50.4% and 45.4% in 2009-13 and 2014-17, respectively. The 3 year observed survival probability fluctuated between 27% and 42% without a trend over time. The increase in debulking surgery was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79 to 0.98) but the introduction of bevacizumab was not (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.03). For patients diagnosed in 2004, the mean cost per patient treated with oncological drugs was about €12 500, which doubled to about €25 000 for patients diagnosed in 2014 or later. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a rise in the use of debulking surgery and the introduction of bevacizumab into clinical practice, no improvement in 3 year survival probability was observed for patients with advanced ovarian cancer in Belgium.


Subject(s)
Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures , Ovarian Neoplasms , Humans , Female , Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/surgery , Bevacizumab/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/surgery , Neoadjuvant Therapy
7.
J Pediatr ; 246: 95-102.e4, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35429506

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the longitudinal evolution of work productivity loss and activity impairment in caregivers of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We also evaluated the associations between these impairments, IBD-related factors, and caregivers' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and estimated the indirect costs related to work absenteeism. STUDY DESIGN: Since January 2017, children with newly diagnosed IBD were enrolled prospectively in the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Network for Safety, Efficacy, Treatment and Quality improvement of care study. The impact of pediatric-onset IBD on caregivers' socioeconomic functioning (work and daily activities) and HRQOL was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment for caregivers questionnaire and the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level questionnaire, at diagnosis and 3 and 12 months of age. Generalized estimating equation models were applied to evaluate outcomes longitudinally, adjusted for IBD type, disease activity, and child's age at diagnosis. RESULTS: Up to July 2021, 491 children with IBD were eligible for analysis of caregivers' Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. At diagnosis, the mean caregivers' employment rate was 78.4%; the adjusted mean work productivity loss was 44.6% (95% CI, 40.2%-49.0%), and the adjusted mean activity impairment was 34.3% (95% CI, 30.8%-37.7%). Work productivity loss and activity impairment significantly decreased over time and were associated with disease activity, but not with IBD type or child's age. Caregivers' HRQOL was associated with both impairments. Costs related to work absenteeism were at least €6272 ($7276) per patient during the first year after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers of children with IBD experience significant impairments in work and daily activities, especially at diagnosis. The impact decreases thereafter and is associated with disease activity and caregivers' HRQOL. Work absenteeism results in high indirect costs.


Subject(s)
Caregivers , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases , Child , Chronic Disease , Efficiency , Humans , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/therapy , Prospective Studies , Quality of Life , Surveys and Questionnaires
8.
JMIR Form Res ; 5(1): e13888, 2021 Jan 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33492239

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The REDUCE-RISK trial was set up to compare the effectiveness of weekly subcutaneously administered methotrexate with daily oral azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine in low-risk Crohn disease (CD) or subcutaneously administered adalimumab (ADA) in high-risk CD in a pediatric population (age 6-17 years). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review to provide input into the research protocol to gather the necessary information to improve the performance of an evidence-based economic evaluation when the trial is finished. METHODS: The Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) database, websites of HTA institutes, CRD's National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database, MEDLINE (OVID), and Embase databases were consulted to retrieve (reviews of) relevant economic evaluations. Studies were eligible if they included a pediatric or adult population with inflammatory bowel diseases (CD and ulcerative colitis [UC]) treated with ADA (Humira). There were no restrictions on the comparator. Only economic evaluations expressing outcomes in life years gained or quality-adjusted life years gained were selected. RESULTS: A total of 12 primary studies were identified. None of these studies included a pediatric population because of a lack of supporting trials. The economic evaluations identified in our systematic review indicate that ADA is an appropriate intervention for inclusion in such a trial. From a health economic point of view, it is important to make an incremental analysis comparing such an intervention with standard care and not immediately versus another (expensive) biological treatment. Information on the impact of children's school attendance and parents' productivity is currently lacking in economic evaluations, and none of the underlying trials measured quality of life (QoL) using a generic utility instrument. CONCLUSIONS: The review of the economic literature on ADA for the treatment of patients with CD supports the performance of a trial with biologicals in pediatric patients, including making a distinction according to disease severity. Conducting an economic literature review enabled us to decide which variables should be added to the research protocol from an economic point of view. Measurements for children's and parents' QoL (EuroQol 5-Dimension questionnaires), children's school attendance, and parents' productivity (WPAI-CD-CG questionnaire) were added to the research protocol. This will provide support for the calculation of the cost-effectiveness of the interventions evaluated in the REDUCE-RISK trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02852694; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02852694.

9.
BMJ Open ; 10(7): e034892, 2020 07 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32611737

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Immunomodulators such as thiopurines (azathioprine (AZA)/6-mercaptopurine (6MP)), methotrexate (MTX) and biologics such as adalimumab (ADA) are well established for maintenance of remission within paediatric Crohn's disease (CD). It remains unclear, however, which maintenance medication should be used first line in specific patient groups. AIMS: To compare the efficacy of maintenance therapies in newly diagnosed CD based on stratification into high and low-risk groups for severe CD evolution; MTX versus AZA/6MP in low-risk and MTX versus ADA in high-risk patients. Primary end point: sustained remission at 12 months (weighted paediatric CD activity index ≤12.5 and C reactive protein ≤1.5 fold upper limit) without relapse or ongoing requirement for exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN)/steroids 12 weeks after treatment initiation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: REDUCE-RISK in CD is an international multicentre open-label prospective randomised controlled trial funded by EU within the Horizon2020 framework (grant number 668023). Eligible patients (aged 6-17 years, new-onset disease receiving steroids or EEN for induction of remission for luminal ± perianal CD are stratified into low and high-risk groups based on phenotype and response to induction therapy. Participants are randomised to one of two treatment arms within their risk group: low-risk patients to weekly subcutaneous MTX or daily oral AZA/6MP, and high-risk patients to weekly subcutaneous MTX or fortnightly ADA. Patients are followed up for 12 months at prespecified intervals. Electronic case report forms are completed prospectively. The study aims to recruit 312 participants (176 low risk; 136 high risk). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: (NCT02852694), authorisation and approval from local ethics committees have been obtained prior to recruitment. Individual informed consent will be obtained prior to participation in the study. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal with open access. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02852694; Pre-results.


Subject(s)
Adalimumab/therapeutic use , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Azathioprine/therapeutic use , Crohn Disease/drug therapy , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Methotrexate/therapeutic use , Adalimumab/adverse effects , Adolescent , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/adverse effects , Azathioprine/adverse effects , Child , Female , Humans , Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects , Maintenance Chemotherapy , Male , Methotrexate/adverse effects , Multicenter Studies as Topic , Prospective Studies , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Remission Induction
10.
BMJ Open ; 10(7): e035538, 2020 07 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32611739

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Patients with paediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) may develop a complicated disease course, including growth failure, bowel resection at young age and treatment-related adverse events, all of which can have significant and lasting effects on the patient's development and quality of life. Unfortunately, we are still not able to fully explain the heterogeneity between patients and their disease course and predict which patients will respond to certain therapies or are most at risk of developing a more complicated disease course. To investigate this, large prospective studies with long-term follow-up are needed. Currently, no such European or Asian international cohorts exist. In this international cohort, we aim to evaluate disease course and which patients are most at risk of therapy non-response or development of complicated disease based on patient and disease characteristics, immune pathology and environmental and socioeconomic factors. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this international prospective observational study, which is part of the PIBD Network for Safety, Efficacy, Treatment and Quality improvement of care (PIBD-SETQuality), children diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease <18 years are included at diagnosis. The follow-up schedule is in line with standard PIBD care and is intended to continue up to 20 years. Patient and disease characteristics, as well as results of investigations, are collected at baseline and during follow-up. In addition, environmental factors are being assessed (eg, parent's smoking behaviour, dietary factors and antibiotic use). In specific centres with the ability to perform extensive immunological analyses, blood samples and intestinal biopsies are being collected and analysed (flow cytometry, plasma proteomics, mRNA expression and immunohistochemistry) in therapy-naïve patients and during follow-up. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Medical ethical approval has been obtained prior to patient recruitment for all sites. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03571373.


Subject(s)
Clinical Protocols , Internationality , Child , Child, Preschool , Cohort Studies , Disease Progression , Humans , Incidence , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases , Prospective Studies , Quality Improvement , Risk Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires
11.
Health Policy ; 124(9): 959-964, 2020 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32616313

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of managed entry agreements (MEAs) in Belgium. METHODS: All Belgian MEAs signed between 2010 and 2015 (n = 71) were studied, including the re-evaluations of 16 reimbursement requests for which the initial MEA had ended. The analysis was supported by the findings from a systematic literature review and structured interviews with Belgian stakeholders. RESULTS: The current application of MEAs provides the short-term advantage of getting a positive reimbursement decision with lower confidential prices. However, it is not clear whether the negotiated prices are in line with the added value of the interventions. Furthermore, the contracts do not provide incentives for manufacturers to gather evidence or to set public prices at an acceptable level. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our analysis of the Belgian MEAs and discussions with Belgian stakeholders, an overview of various issues and pitfalls related to the current application of the system is given. Recommendations are made related to providing correct incentives to deliver good evidence, establishing a correct link between identified uncertainties/problems and the type and content of the MEA, reducing the risk of making the system non-transparent, the importance of international collaboration, etc. in order to optimize the potential of this system. These recommendations are addressed to both the Belgian policymakers and stakeholders in other countries making use of MEAs.


Subject(s)
Drug Industry , Belgium , Humans , Uncertainty
12.
PLoS One ; 13(4): e0195134, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29630612

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Currently, in Belgium, bevacizumab is reimbursed for ovarian cancer patients, based on a contract between the Minister and the manufacturer including confidential agreements. This reimbursement will be re-evaluated in 2018. OBJECTIVE: To support the reimbursement reassessment by calculating the cost-effectiveness of bevacizumab: (1) in addition to first-line chemotherapy; (2) in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer (platinum-sensitive or platinum-resistant). METHODS: A health economic model has been developed for the Belgian situation according to the Belgian guidelines for economic evaluations. The lifetime Markov model was set up from the perspective of the health care payer (government and patient), including direct healthcare related costs. Results are expressed as the extra costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Calculations were based on results of four international trials. Both probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of first-line bevacizumab are on average 158 000/QALY (GOG-0218 trial) and 443 000/QALY (ICON7 trial). The most favourable scenario is based on the stage IV subgroup of the GOG-0218 trial (€52 000/QALY). Since subgroup findings are often exploratory and require confirmatory studies, results of the economic evaluation based on this subgroup analysis should be considered with caution. For second-line bevacizumab, ICERs are on average €587 000/QALY (OCEANS trial) and €172 000/QALY (AURELIA trial). Sensitivity analysis shows that results are most sensitive to the price of bevacizumab. CONCLUSION: From a health economic perspective, ICERs of bevacizumab are relatively high. The most favourable results are found for first-line treatment of stage IV ovarian cancer patients. Price reductions have a major impact on the estimated ICERs. It is recommended to take these findings into account when re-evaluating the reimbursement of bevacizumab in ovarian cancer.


Subject(s)
Angiogenesis Inhibitors/economics , Bevacizumab/economics , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Health Care Costs , Models, Economic , Ovarian Neoplasms/economics , Quality-Adjusted Life Years , Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Bevacizumab/therapeutic use , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy
13.
Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol ; 41(8): 1189-1204, 2018 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29666906

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess safety and outcome of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) as compared to systemic chemotherapy and partial hepatectomy (PH) in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched. Randomized trials and comparative observational studies with multivariate analysis and/or matching were included. Guidelines from National Guideline Clearinghouse and Guidelines International Network were assessed using the AGREE II instrument. RESULTS: The search revealed 3530 records; 328 were selected for full-text review; 48 were included: 8 systematic reviews, 2 randomized studies, 26 comparative observational studies, 2 guideline-articles and 10 case series; in addition 13 guidelines were evaluated. Literature to assess the effectiveness of ablation was limited. RFA + systemic chemotherapy was superior to chemotherapy alone. PH was superior to RFA alone but not to RFA + PH or to MWA. Compared to PH, RFA showed fewer complications, MWA did not. Outcomes were subject to residual confounding since ablation was only employed for unresectable disease. CONCLUSION: The results from the EORTC-CLOCC trial, the comparable survival for ablation + PH versus PH alone, the potential to induce long-term disease control and the low complication rate argue in favour of ablation over chemotherapy alone. Further randomized comparisons of ablation to current-day chemotherapy alone should therefore be considered unethical. Hence, the highest achievable level of evidence for unresectable CRLM seems reached. The apparent selection bias from previous studies and the superior safety profile mandate the setup of randomized controlled trials comparing ablation to surgery.


Subject(s)
Ablation Techniques/methods , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Hepatectomy/methods , Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy , Liver Neoplasms/surgery , Catheter Ablation/methods , Female , Humans , Liver Neoplasms/secondary , Microwaves , Treatment Outcome
15.
Int J Technol Assess Health Care ; 33(1): 76-83, 2017 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28436336

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Some experts have promoted preparticipative cardiovascular screening programs for young athletes and have claimed that such programs were cost-effective without performing a critical analysis of studies supporting this statement. In this systematic review, a critical assessment of economic evaluations on these programs is performed to determine if they really provide value for money. METHODS: A systematic review of economic evaluations was performed on December 24, 2014. Web sites of health technology assessment agencies, the Cochrane database of systematic review, the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database of the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, Psychinfo, and EconLit were searched to retrieve (reviews of) economic evaluations. No language or time restrictions were imposed and predefined selection criteria were used. Selected studies were critically assessed applying a structured data extraction sheet. RESULTS: Five relevant economic evaluations were critically assessed. Results of these studies were mixed. However, those in favor of screening made (methodological) incorrect choices, of which the most important one was not taking into account a no-screening alternative as comparator. Compared with no screening, other strategies (history and physical examination or history and physical examination plus electrocardiogram) were not considered cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: Results of primary economic evaluations should not be blindly copied without critical assessment. Economic evaluations in this field lack the support of robust evidence. Negative consequences of screening (false positive findings, overtreatment) should also be taken into account and may cause more harm than good. A mass screening of young athletes for cardiovascular diseases does not provide value for money and should be discouraged.


Subject(s)
Athletes , Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis , Mass Screening , Technology Assessment, Biomedical/economics , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Humans
16.
Expert Rev Med Devices ; 14(3): 181-188, 2017 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28128008

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: High-risk medical devices may not always provide a therapeutic added value to patients. In Europe, no proof of efficacy is required to receive a CE label, making it difficult for policymakers to decide on reimbursement of (often expensive) high-risk medical devices. We explore, within the framework of the European legislation, the possibilities at a national level for a guided introduction of such devices. Areas covered: HTA and legal experts worked in close collaboration with medical specialists and government representatives making a legal analysis of what is possible under the (revised) European and national legislation. Expert commentary: At national level, measures for a better evidence-based introduction can be taken that are not in contradiction with the European regulation. From a legal point of view, all restrictive measures must be justified, necessary and proportional. Several measures are possible, a.o. making use of reference centres, applying the IDEAL framework or the 6-step plan set up by the Dutch Order of Medical Specialists. In conclusion, within the framework of the (revised) European legislation, measures at national level can be taken to temporarily restrict and follow up the use of high-risk medical devices with a greater focus on the therapeutic added value for the patients.


Subject(s)
Equipment and Supplies , Medical Device Legislation , Europe , Humans , Risk Factors
17.
J Comp Eff Res ; 5(6): 551-560, 2016 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27595308

ABSTRACT

AIM: Many questions of relevance to patients/society are not answered by industry-sponsored clinical trials. We consider whether there are benefits to governments in funding practice-oriented clinical trials. METHODOLOGY: A literature search including publications on institutions' websites was performed and supplemented with information gathered from (inter)national stakeholders. RESULTS: Areas were identified where public funding of clinical trials is of importance for society, such as head-to-head comparisons or medical areas where companies have no motivation to invest. The available literature suggests publicly funded research programs could provide a positive return on investment. The main hurdles (e.g., sufficient funding and absence of equipoise) and success factors (e.g., selection of research questions and research infrastructure) for the successful conduct of publicly funded trials were identified. CONCLUSION: Governments should see public funding of pragmatic practice-oriented clinical trials as a good opportunity to improve the selection and quality of treatments and stimulate efficient use of limited resources.


Subject(s)
Clinical Trials as Topic/economics , Financing, Government
18.
20.
Prenat Diagn ; 35(13): 1347-52, 2015 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26443424

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Several countries today struggle with suboptimal performances in many aspects of the fetal aneuploidy screening process and consider introducing non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPT) as a solution. In this study, costs and benefits of different scenarios for contingent NIPT screening in Belgium are evaluated with respect to partial redistribution of the national screening budget into quality improving measures for those screening activities that will be maintained when full NIPT screening is implemented. METHODS: Data from the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance and the Study Centre for Perinatal Epidemiology were used in modeled calculations of medical and economic impact of NIPT after prior conventional screening (1) at thresholds 1:300 and 1:600, and (2) at current and improved screening sensitivity. RESULTS: Contingent NIPT screening under current screening conditions would maintain today's 7.9(0)/000 live birth prevalence of Down syndrome (LBPD) at an 11% reduction of overall short-term costs. Lowering the screening threshold to 1:600 or increasing sensitivity by 10% would reduce LBPD to 7(0)/000 at a maximum 3% increase of overall short-term costs. CONCLUSION: Today, in Belgium and in many other countries, full NIPT screening is considered too expensive for immediate introduction into the national fetal aneuploidy screening program. Contingent NIPT screening is both clinically and economically beneficial. A temporary contingent NIPT protocol allows for reinvesting economic savings into optimization of those screening aspects, which are to be maintained in parallel to full NIPT screening.


Subject(s)
Aneuploidy , Mass Screening/economics , Prenatal Diagnosis/economics , Female , Humans , Models, Economic , Pregnancy
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