Close cooperation with Health Technology Assessment expertise is crucial for implementation and ultimately reimbursement of innovations in oncology

Abstract

The Organisation of European Cancer Institutes OECI working group on Health Economics and Cost Benefit in Oncology suggests four actions that are needed to improve alignment and integration between clinicians, researchers, and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) experts and agencies: 1) HTA expertise is necessary close to or within the comprehensive cancer centres (CCC); 2) HTA expertise should be physically present throughout the translational research process; 3) Appropriate knowledge is necessary within the research staff; 4) Close cooperation between translational researchers, clinicians, and health economists guarantees clinical ownership.Fulfilling these conditions may help the translational research field in oncology to interact with agencies and efficiently move innovative technologies through the translational research stages into that of implementation and diffusion. This brings innovative treatments faster to the patient with a greater chance of reimbursement.

Early Assessment of Proof-of-Problem to Guide Health Innovation

“…3,4 Increasingly, scientists and policy advisors are questioning whether all these innovative technologies really do deliver what they promise. [5][6][7][8][9] Health technology assessment (HTA) attempts to determine the actual benefits of innovations, but because of its reliance on data it is traditionally performed when a new technology has already withstood clinical trials or has been applied in practice for some time. By then, vested interests have arisen, public demand for the novel technology has grown, and any assessment that concludes the technology may not provide societal value for money is often "too little, too late."…”