Authors' recommendations: After considering the strength of the available evidence in relation to the safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation testing to help determine eligibility for proposed PBS-subsidised first-line erlotinib in locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), MSAC again deferred the application for the requested MBS item until such time as PBAC makes a decision regarding the corresponding PBS listing of erlotinib. MSAC reiterated that, if PBAC subsequently decides to recommend to the Minister that erlotinib be listed on the PBS for the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC, it would support an expedited process for reconsideration to align MSAC support for public funding of EGFR testing according to the circumstances recommended by PBAC. MSAC foreshadowed its support for public funding to be achieved by modifying MBS item 73328. The MBS fee of $397.35 would be retained, but the item descriptor would be amended to include: A test of tumour tissue from a patient diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, shown to have non-squamous histology or histology not otherwise specified, requested by, or on behalf of, a specialist or consultant physician to determine if the requirements relating to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene status for access to erlotinib under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are fulfilled. MSAC reiterated that it would support an expedited MSAC process of re-consideration if PBAC subsequently recommends PBS listing. MSAC also reaffirmed its November 2012 advice that, as part of implementing coordinated MBS and PBS listing of these codependent health technologies, appropriate data be collected prospectively to be reviewed two years after listing.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2013

URL for published report: http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/1173-public

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Medical Services Advisory Committee

Contact Address: MSAC (MDP 107), GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Tel: +61 2 6289 6811; Fax: +61 2 6289 8799.

Contact Name: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Contact Email: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Copyright: Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC)