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Marshall DA, Hua N, Buchanan J, Christensen KD, Frederix GWJ, Goranitis I, Ijzerman M, Jansen JP, Lavelle TA, Regier DA, Smith HS, Ungar WJ, Weymann D, Wordsworth S, Phillips KA. Paving the path for implementation of clinical genomic sequencing globally: Are we ready? HEALTH AFFAIRS SCHOLAR 2024; 2:qxae053. [PMID: 38783891 PMCID: PMC11115369 DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxae053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Despite the emerging evidence in recent years, successful implementation of clinical genomic sequencing (CGS) remains limited and is challenged by a range of barriers. These include a lack of standardized practices, limited economic assessments for specific indications, limited meaningful patient engagement in health policy decision-making, and the associated costs and resource demand for implementation. Although CGS is gradually becoming more available and accessible worldwide, large variations and disparities remain, and reflections on the lessons learned for successful implementation are sparse. In this commentary, members of the Global Economics and Evaluation of Clinical Genomics Sequencing Working Group (GEECS) describe the global landscape of CGS in the context of health economics and policy and propose evidence-based solutions to address existing and future barriers to CGS implementation. The topics discussed are reflected as two overarching themes: (1) system readiness for CGS and (2) evidence, assessments, and approval processes. These themes highlight the need for health economics, public health, and infrastructure and operational considerations; a robust patient- and family-centered evidence base on CGS outcomes; and a comprehensive, collaborative, interdisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Marshall
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Nicolle Hua
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - James Buchanan
- Health Economics and Policy Research Unit, Centre for Evaluation and Methods, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AB, United Kingdom
| | - Kurt D Christensen
- PRecisiOn Medicine Translational Research (PROMoTeR) Center, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Geert W J Frederix
- Epidemiology and Health Economics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ilias Goranitis
- Health Economics Unit, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Australian Genomics, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Maarten Ijzerman
- University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Eramus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen P Jansen
- Center for Translational and Policy Research on Precision Medicine (TRANSPERS), Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States
| | - Tara A Lavelle
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, United States
| | - Dean A Regier
- Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control, Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Hadley S Smith
- PRecisiOn Medicine Translational Research (PROMoTeR) Center, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Wendy J Ungar
- Program of Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Deirdre Weymann
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Sarah Wordsworth
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn A Phillips
- Center for Translational and Policy Research on Precision Medicine (TRANSPERS), Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States
- Health Affairs Scholar Emerging & Global Health Policy, Health Affairs, Washington, DC 20036, United States
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Fukuto HS, Nelepcu II, Necula S, Galli NE, Viboud GI. International health initiative: Development and pilot testing of a molecular diagnostics training program in Romania. Am J Clin Pathol 2023; 160:276-283. [PMID: 37196173 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqad050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The implementation of nucleic acid testing in laboratory medicine has revolutionized clinical diagnosis. Unfortunately, incorporation of these technologies in less developed countries remains a challenge. Despite Romania's recent economic growth, the country is in dire need of medical and laboratory staff trained in modern technologies. The aim of the study was to develop a curriculum that could easily be delivered to laboratory professionals in Romania and to pilot test the effectiveness of the training in increasing their understanding of molecular tests. METHODS The program was developed in accordance with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) quality training standards. It was offered to 50 laboratory professionals and consisted of online, asynchronous lectures and optional synchronous review sessions. Training effectiveness was evaluated using CDC guidelines based on pre- and postassessment questions answered anonymously. RESULTS Forty-two people participated in the program, and 32 (81%) completed the training successfully. Based on 16 participants' self-assessment, the course was successful in improving learners' overall knowledge of molecular diagnostics-specifically, their understanding of molecular techniques and how to interpret results. Those participants were highly satisfied with the overall training. CONCLUSIONS The piloted platform presented here is promising and can be a foundation for future larger-scale studies in countries with developing health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana S Fukuto
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, US
| | | | | | - Nora E Galli
- Diagnostics Division, Roche Romania, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gloria I Viboud
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, US
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Parker G, Hunter S, Ghazi S, Hayeems RZ, Rousseau F, Miller FA. Decision impact studies, evidence of clinical utility for genomic assays in cancer: A scoping review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280582. [PMID: 36897859 PMCID: PMC10004522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decision impact studies have become increasingly prevalent in cancer prognostic research in recent years. These studies aim to evaluate the impact of a genomic test on decision-making and appear to be a new form of evidence of clinical utility. The objectives of this review were to identify and characterize decision impact studies in genomic medicine in cancer care and categorize the types of clinical utility outcomes reported. METHODS We conducted a search of four databases, Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science, from inception to June 2022. Empirical studies that reported a "decision impact" assessment of a genomic assay on treatment decisions or recommendations for cancer patients were included. We followed scoping review methodology and adapted the Fryback and Thornbury Model to collect and analyze data on clinical utility. The database searches identified 1803 unique articles for title/abstract screening; 269 articles moved to full-text review. RESULTS 87 studies met inclusion criteria. All studies were published in the last 12 years with the majority for breast cancer (72%); followed by other cancers (28%) (lung, prostate, colon). Studies reported on the impact of 19 different proprietary (18) and generic (1) assays. Across all four levels of clinical utility, outcomes were reported for 22 discrete measures, including the impact on provider/team decision-making (100%), provider confidence (31%); change in treatment received (46%); patient psychological impacts (17%); and costing or savings impacts (21%). Based on the data synthesis, we created a comprehensive table of outcomes reported for clinical utility. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review is a first step in understanding the evolution and uses of decision impact studies and their influence on the integration of emerging genomic technologies in cancer care. The results imply that DIS are positioned to provide evidence of clinical utility and impact clinical practice and reimbursement decision-making in cancer care. Systematic review registration: Open Science Framework osf.io/hm3jr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Parker
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Hunter
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samer Ghazi
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robin Z. Hayeems
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francois Rousseau
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry, and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Fiona A. Miller
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Koleva-Kolarova R, Buchanan J, Vellekoop H, Huygens S, Versteegh M, Mölken MRV, Szilberhorn L, Zelei T, Nagy B, Wordsworth S, Tsiachristas A. Financing and Reimbursement Models for Personalised Medicine: A Systematic Review to Identify Current Models and Future Options. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2022; 20:501-524. [PMID: 35368231 PMCID: PMC9206925 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-021-00714-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of healthcare interventions described as 'personalised medicine' (PM) is increasing rapidly. As healthcare systems struggle to decide whether to fund PM innovations, it is unclear what models for financing and reimbursement are appropriate to apply in this context. OBJECTIVE To review financing and reimbursement models for PM, summarise their key characteristics, and describe whether they can influence the development and uptake of PM. METHODS A literature review was conducted in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Econlit to identify studies published in English between 2009 and 2021, and reviews published before 2009. Grey literature was identified through Google Scholar, Google and subject-specific webpages. Articles that described financing and reimbursement of PM, and financing of non-PM were included. Data were extracted and synthesised narratively to report on the models, as well as facilitators, incentives, barriers and disincentives that could influence PM development and uptake. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-three papers were included. Research and development of PM was financed through both public and private sources and reimbursed largely through traditional models such as single fees, Diagnosis-Related Groups, and bundled payments. Financial-based reimbursement, including rebates and price-volume agreements, was mainly applied to targeted therapies. Performance-based reimbursement was identified mainly for gene and targeted therapies, and some companion diagnostics. Gene therapy manufacturers offered outcome-based rebates for treatment failure for interventions including Luxturna®, Kymriah®, Yescarta®, Zynteglo®, Zolgensma® and Strimvelis®, and coverage with evidence development for Kymriah® and Yescarta®. Targeted testing with OncotypeDX® was granted value-based reimbursement through initial coverage with evidence development. The main barriers and disincentives to PM financing and reimbursement were the lack of strong links between stakeholders and the lack of demonstrable benefit and value of PM. CONCLUSIONS Public-private financing agreements and performance-based reimbursement models could help facilitate the development and uptake of PM interventions with proven clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Buchanan
- Health Economics Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Heleen Vellekoop
- Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Simone Huygens
- Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Versteegh
- Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maureen Rutten-van Mölken
- Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - László Szilberhorn
- Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Zelei
- Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Nagy
- Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sarah Wordsworth
- Health Economics Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Apostolos Tsiachristas
- Health Economics Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
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Maci J, Marešová P. Critical Factors and Economic Methods for Regulatory Impact Assessment in the Medical Device Industry. Healthc Policy 2022; 15:71-91. [PMID: 35082542 PMCID: PMC8784272 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s346928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Methods Results Discussion
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Maci
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Marešová
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: Petra Marešová Department of Economics, Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Králové, Rokitanskeho 62, Hradec Králové, 50003, Czech RepublicTel +420 737928745 Email
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Seoighe C, Bracken AP, Buckley P, Doran P, Green R, Healy S, Kavanagh D, Kenny E, Lawler M, Lowery M, Morris D, Morrissey D, O'Byrne JJ, Shields D, Smith O, Steward CA, Sweeney B, Kolch W. The future of genomics in Ireland - focus on genomics for health. HRB Open Res 2020; 3:89. [PMID: 33855271 PMCID: PMC7993626 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13187.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomics is revolutionizing biomedical research, medicine and healthcare globally in academic, public and industry sectors alike. Concrete examples around the world show that huge benefits for patients, society and economy can be accrued through effective and responsible genomic research and clinical applications. Unfortunately, Ireland has fallen behind and needs to act now in order to catch up. Here, we identify key issues that have resulted in Ireland lagging behind, describe how genomics can benefit Ireland and its people and outline the measures needed to make genomics work for Ireland and Irish patients. There is now an urgent need for a national genomics strategy that enables an effective, collaborative, responsible, well-regulated, and patient centred environment where genome research and clinical genomics can thrive. We present eight recommendations that could be the pillars of a national genomics health strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathal Seoighe
- National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | | | | | - Peter Doran
- University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, 7, Ireland
| | - Robert Green
- Brigham Health, Broad Institute, Ariadne Labs, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sandra Healy
- National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - David Kavanagh
- Genuity Science (Ireland) Ltd., Dublin, D18 K7W4, Ireland
| | - Elaine Kenny
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 2, Ireland
- ELDA Biotech, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, D08 W9RT, Ireland
| | - Mark Lawler
- Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT7 1NN, Ireland
| | - Maeve Lowery
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 2, Ireland
- Saint James' Hospital, Dublin, D08 NHY1, Ireland
| | - Derek Morris
- National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Darrin Morrissey
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Blackrock, A94 X099, Ireland
| | | | | | - Owen Smith
- University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland
- Children’s Health Ireland, Crumlin, Dublin, D12 N512, Ireland
| | | | | | - Walter Kolch
- National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
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Johnston KM, Sheffield BS, Yip S, Lakzadeh P, Qian C, Nam J. Costs of in-house genomic profiling and implications for economic evaluation: a case example of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). J Med Econ 2020; 23:1123-1129. [PMID: 32597288 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2020.1789152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Genomic profiling in oncology is vital for determining eligible patients for mutation-specific targeted therapies. Use of commercial genomic testing has the potential to improve patient outcomes. Economic evaluations of in-house genomic profiling typically only include material costs while external commercial services include many other factors. Using non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as an example, this study sought to characterize the unique challenges of costing testing services and their impact on results of economic evaluations. METHODS Structured interviews with Canadian oncologists, pathologists, and laboratory directors were conducted to identify material and non-material costs associated with genomic-testing laboratories to allow estimation of a more complete cost of in-house testing, with NSCLC cost-per-test calculated using annual operational costs and NSCLC-specific testing volume. A health and budget impact model of in-house versus external commercial profiling services was used to compare the impact of non-material costs on results. RESULTS In-house testing costs, limited to materials, was $133/single-gene test and $1,400/panel. For a laboratory running 1,300 in-house tests/year, total annual non-material costs included equipment maintenance ($6,842), labor ($502,313; technicians, administrative, and medical staff), shipping/reporting and software updates ($146,050), for an additional $519/test. The combined cost of $652/single-gene and $1,919/panel was compared to a cost of $6,194 for a commercial external test. Based on current Canadian testing patterns and anticipated utilization of external testing, inclusion of in-house non-material costs reduced the estimated 3-year budget impact by 12%. CONCLUSION When conducting economic evaluation to assess the value of introducing external tests, it is critical that non-material costs of standard testing strategies be measured and incorporated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karissa M Johnston
- Broadstreet Health Economics and Outcomes Research, HEOR, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Stephen Yip
- Department of Pathology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Pardis Lakzadeh
- Broadstreet Health Economics and Outcomes Research, HEOR, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Christina Qian
- Broadstreet Health Economics and Outcomes Research, HEOR, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Julian Nam
- Hoffmann-La Roche Limited, Mississauga, Canada
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Govaerts L, Simoens S, Van Dyck W, Huys I. Shedding Light on Reimbursement Policies of Companion Diagnostics in European Countries. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 23:606-615. [PMID: 32389226 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ensuring access to precision medicine has been an issue because in some European countries, desynchronized reimbursement decision-making occurs between the medicine and the companion diagnostic (CDx). This has resulted in cases in which precision medicine is reimbursed but not the CDx. In overcoming this issue, an alignment of the decision-making process for reimbursement between the 2 entities should be considered. As pharmaceutical reimbursement procedures are meticulously covered in the literature, we set out to systematically map in vitro diagnostic (IVD) reimbursement procedures and identify policies for aligning these procedures with the pharmaceutical reimbursement procedures. METHODS We selected 8 European countries for this analysis. For each country, we characterized the national benefit basket entailing the IVD medical acts in outpatient care, evaluated the procedure for inclusion, and identified alternative reimbursement practices for CDx. Targeted searches, using publicly accessible sources, were conducted to identify relevant reimbursement policies and laws. RESULTS We systematically describe the reimbursement process in 8 European countries. Alternative procedures for CDx reimbursement were identified in Belgium and Germany. Alternative policies attributed to the practice of precision medicine were identified in England and Italy. In France, some CDx are included in the "coverage with evidence" development program. Specifically, the health technology assessment agencies of France and England commented on the assessment of companion diagnostics and their clinical utility. CONCLUSION CDx reimbursement procedures have recently been implemented in some countries. This was seemingly done primarily to ensure access to the precision medicine and only secondary to the value they would provide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurenz Govaerts
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Healthcare Management Centre, Vlerick Business School, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Steven Simoens
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Walter Van Dyck
- Healthcare Management Centre, Vlerick Business School, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Huys
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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