Authors' recommendations: After considering the strength of the available evidence in relation to the safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of BRAF mutation testing to help determine eligibility for proposed PBS-subsidised dabrafenib in unresectable Stage III or Stage IV metastatic cutaneous melanoma, MSAC supports its public funding via a new MBS item, with an MBS fee of $230.95 and an item descriptor of: A test of tumour tissue from a patient with unresectable stage III 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 dabrafenib under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are fulfilled. MSAC also reaffirmed its April 2013 advice that, as part of implementing coordinated MBS and PBS listing of these co-dependent 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/1207-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)