National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence

Mr. David Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is expected to complete its assessment of Sunitinib.

Dawn Primarolo
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is currently appraising sunitinib (Sutent) along with three other drugs, bevacizumab, sorafenib and temsirolimus, for renal cell carcinoma. We understand that subject to appeals, NICE expects to publish final guidance to the NHS in early 2009. Further information on this appraisal can be found on NICE’s website at:

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/index.jsp?action=byID&o=11817

The Department has made it clear to national health service organisations that it is not acceptable to refuse to fund a treatment simply because if has not yet been appraised by NICE.