Authors' recommendations: After considering the strength of the available evidence in relation to the safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of BRAF testing to help determine eligibility for proposed PBS-subsidised vemurafenib in unresectable Stage IIIC or Stage IV metastatic cutaneous melanoma, MSAC deferred the application until its responses to PBAC's requests for advice and further information from the applicant are considered by PBAC. If PBAC refers more matters to MSAC for advice, MSAC will reconsider these referrals. If PBAC subsequently decides to recommend to the Minister that vemurafenib be listed on the PBS, MSAC will support an expedited process for its reconsideration to align its support for public funding of BRAF testing according to the circumstances recommended by PBAC. In that event, MSAC foreshadowed that the item descriptor could be expected to be: A test of tumour tissue from a patient with unresectable stage IIIC or stage IV metastatic cutaneous melanoma requested by, or on behalf of, a specialist or consultant physician to determine if the requirements relating to BRAF V600 mutation status for access to vemurafenib under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are fulfilled.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/1172-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)