Authors' objectives:

To summarise the available evidence on carmustine implants for glioma.

Authors' recommendations: - Clinical impact: The clinical impact associated with the introduction of carmustine implants is significant. Over the course of a recent 30-month study in patients undergoing initial surgery for primary glioblastoma multiforme, a 33% reduction in the risk of death was demonstrated. Any hope that can be offered for this patient population, which has a 5-year survival of less than 5%, is important. - Service impact: While there may be some service impact due to the need to train surgeons to implant carmustine implants, the standard procedures used in a craniotomy are maintained. - Additional factors: Patients with glioma have an extremely poor prognosis. As such, it is likely that this treatment will generate significant professional and patient interest. - Financial and overall NHS impact: While pricing has not yet been set, the incremental cost for carmustine implants is expected to be in the range of 625 to 675 GBP per life week saved (USA data).

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2002

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/search

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: National Horizon Scanning Centre (NHSC)