The effects of moderate red wine consumption on the antioxidant status and indices of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress associated with CHD were investigated. A randomised, controlled study was performed with twenty free-living healthy volunteers. Subjects in the red wine group consumed 375 ml red wine daily for 2 weeks. We measured the total concentration of phenolics and analysed the individual phenolics in the wine and plasma by HPLC with tandem MS. The antioxidant capacity of plasma was measured with electron spin resonance spectroscopy while homocysteine and fasting plasma lipids were also determined. The production of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in Cu-oxidised LDL. Plasma total phenolic concentrations increased significantly after 2 weeks of daily red wine consumption (P#0·001) and trace levels of metabolites, mainly glucuronides and methyl glucuronides of (þ )-catechin and (2 )-epicatechin, were detected in the plasma of the red wine group. These flavan-3-ol metabolites were not detected in plasma from the control group. The maximum concentrations of conjugated dienes and TBARS in Cu-oxidised LDL were reduced (P#0·05) and HDL cholesterol concentrations increased (P#0·05) following red wine consumption. The findings from the present study provide some evidence for potential protective effects of moderate consumption of red wine in healthy volunteers.

A survey was conducted to identify perceptions of cancer and its treatment among the general public, patients, and care givers in six countries. The purpose of the research—the PACE Cancer Perceptions Index (2012)—was to share public perspective on the progress of cancer care and treatment with stakeholders who make decisions about cancer innovation and access to treatments in order to allow patient-centric decisions. The results revealed that although understanding of cancer is increasing, a number of misconceptions persist. Although most respondents recognise that progress has been made in cancer treatment and a majority express satisfaction with this progress, they nevertheless want more investment and faster access to new cancer treatments. In particular, there was clear agreement that more collaboration was needed across countries and between the various stakeholders within countries. In addition, a clear majority of respondents does not think that their country invests sufficient funds in cancer research, and there is concern that progress may be jeopardised by the current difficult economic times.

This breakout session highlighted four distinct perspectives from leading individuals within patient advocacy, industry, an appraisal committee and physicians on the future and challenges faced by targeted therapy in HTA evaluation. Bringing together leaders from key stakeholders in the process, it gave participants the opportunity to examine how the same HTA evaluation process is interpreted from multiple perspectives. The presentation of an industry supported “Six Nation Public Opinion Survey of Cancer Knowledge and Attitudes” provided detailed insight into how the general public, patients and caregivers view cancer alongside various available and possible future therapies. An interactive ‘perspectives activity’ session provided all participants with an opportunity to think through and discuss the HTA process, and its challenges, from the four distinct positions involved.We declare that we have no conflicts of interest.