The Cancer Reform Strategy (CRS), published on 3 December 2007 and already placed in the Library, included a commitment that all new cancer drugs and significant new licensed indications will be referred to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), where there is a sufficient patient population and evidence base on which to carry out an appraisal. The CRS also makes a commitment that cancer drugs will be considered through NICE'S Single Technology Appraisal (STA) process where appropriate. I have agreed revisions to the topic selection process to implement the Cancer Reform Strategy commitments and NICE'S 19th work programme will be the first to be referred to NICE under the revised arrangements.