7 Sources of evidence considered by the Committee

The Evidence Review Group (ERG) report for this appraisal was prepared by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD), Centre for Health Economics (CHE), The University of York:

  • Paton F et al. Topotecan for the treatment of recurrent and stage IVB carcinoma of the cervix, April 2009

The following organisations accepted the invitation to participate in this appraisal as consultees and commentators. They were invited to comment on the draft scope, the ERG report and the appraisal consultation document (ACD). Manufacturers or sponsors were also invited to make written submissions. Professional or specialist and patient or carer groups, and other consultees, had the opportunity to give their expert views. Manufacturers or sponsors, professional or specialist and patient or carer groups also have the opportunity to appeal against the final appraisal determination.

Manufacturer or sponsor:

  • GlaxoSmithKline (topotecan)

Professional or specialist and patient or carer groups:

  • Cancer Research UK

  • Jo's Trust

  • Rarer Cancers Forum

  • Royal College of Nursing

  • Royal College of Pathologists

  • Royal College of Physicians

  • Royal College of Radiologists

  • United Kingdom Oncology Nursing Society

Other consultees

  • Department of Health

  • Welsh Assembly Government

Commentator organisations (did not provide written evidence and without the right of appeal)

  • Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, Centre for Health Economics, The University of York

  • Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for Northern Ireland

  • National Collaborating Centre for Cancer

  • National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme

  • NHS Quality Improvement Scotland

  • Pfizer

The following individuals were selected from clinical specialist and patient expert nominations from the non-manufacturer or sponsor consultees and commentators. They gave their expert personal view on topotecan for the treatment of recurrent and stage IVB carcinoma of the cervix by attending the initial Committee discussion and providing written evidence to the Committee. They were also invited to comment on the ACD.

  • Dr Lynn Hirschowitz – Consultant Gynaecological Pathologist, nominated by The Royal College of Pathologists – clinical specialist

  • Dr Paul Symonds – Reader in Oncology and Consultant Oncologist, nominated by The Royal College of Physicians – clinical specialist

  • Ms Catherine Oakley – Chemotherapy Nurse Consultant, nominated by United Kingdom Oncology Nursing Society – clinical specialist

  • Ms Stella Pendleton – Executive Director, nominated by Rarer Cancers Forum – patient expert