The National Cancer Medicines Advisory Group (NCMAG) programme is a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme. We provide advice to NHS Scotland on the clinical effectiveness and value for money of cancer medicines uses.
The programme
Many cancer medicines uses are ‘off-label’ and or ‘off-patent’. These medicine uses sit outside the remit of Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC). NCMAG considers requests for uses of cancer medicine on a national basis. Across NHS Scotland this means:
- greater efficiency
- standardisation in decision making through a ‘Once for Scotland’ process
- consistent patient access to beneficial cancer medicines
- improved value for money
We have a role in medicine governance. Our role is complementary to both local and national systems.
How we work
The NCMAG council is the decision-making group. It includes:
- senior representatives from territorial health boards in Scotland
- members of the public
Public partners are volunteers who support NCMAG’s work. They do this by bringing a public perspective. They help ensure that people affected by decisions are involved in those decisions.
In addition, for each proposal under review by NCMAG, patient groups are invited to provide insights on:
- the impact of that specific condition
- the potential benefits of the proposed treatment to both patients and carers
Information on our programme is available below:
- NCMAG guiding principles document
- How to submit a medicine proposal
- NCMAG proposal form guidance document
- Health economic considerations in NCMAG decision making
- Membership of NCMAG stakeholder groups and NCMAG role in cancer medicines governance
Horizon scanning
Working with the clinical community allows NCMAG to gather intelligence on potential proposals. Our annual horizon scanning report shares this intelligence with local NHS boards. It helps to support financial and service planning and the introduction of medicines covered by future NCMAG advice.