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 gefitinib in locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), MSAC advised that the item descriptor for MBS item 73328 be amended to read as below: 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 or gefitinib under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are fulfilled. MSAC reaffirmed its November 2012 and August 2013 advice that the proposed MBS item should be made a pathologist determinable service. MSAC advised that the MBS fee of $397.35 should be retained. MSAC reaffirmed its November 2012 and August 2013 advice that, as part of implementing coordinated MBS and PBS listing of these co-dependent health technologies, appropriate data be collected prospectively

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/1161-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)