Horizon Scanning in Oncology - Concept Development for the Preparation of a Horizon Scanning System in Austria

Duration: May 2007 - September 2008

Research question/objective: The scientific and medical progress in oncology quickly leads to the introduction of new medicines. In addition, the development of new therapy modalities, the so-called "targeted therapies" such as e.g. monoclonal antibodies or tyrosine kinase inhibitors ("small molecules"), results in a rapid increase in the medicine costs in oncology in hospitals. The fast and to some extent uncontrolled use of these expensive cancer medicines in clinical practice, as well as their increasing off-label use, has an effect on hospital drug budgets. The development of a "Horizon Scanning System" for the early identification and evaluation of new drug therapy concepts in oncology, i.e. before a routine introduction to cancer treatment, should purposefully prepare hospitals (respectable drug commissions) for new cancer medicines and should contribute to rational decision making as well as supporting the prospective budget planning. The aim of this project is to design a guideline, firstly for the systematic collection of information (sources for identification and criteria for prioritization) about new drugs in oncology (incl. existing drugs with extension of indication) relevant for hospitals, and secondly, for their early evaluation on the basis of defined parameters.

Method: Data base search; analysis of information sources, criteria for prioritization and parameters for evaluation

Publication: HTA-Project Report 14