Implementation of NCMAG Advice – July 2026
Document Type
NCMAG advice
Process guidance
Summary
A key aim of the National Cancer Medicines Advisory Group (NCMAG) programme is to deliver national advice that supports equitable access to safe and effective off label and off patent uses of cancer medicines, to improve outcomes for patients across NHSScotland. NCMAG proposals are submitted by specialist clinicians with support from across Scotland. NCMAG advice is shared with health boards, lead clinicians and national groups.
Implementation of NCMAG advice is dependent on local governance and service decisions, including health board formulary submission. The NCMAG programme has been issuing advice since 2022, therefore a 3-year evaluation, based on self-reported information from across Scotland, was undertaken to assess the impact of advice issued to date and provide assurance that the programme is meeting its aims.
The evaluation of the impact of NCMAG, including implementation of advice, and any barriers to implementation, provides reassurance that NCMAG is delivering its aims and supports its ongoing work.
Conclusions
Health board and regional network respondents, whose governance arrangements cover all NHSScotland, reported a high level of implementation of NCMAG advice for off label and off patent cancer medicine uses. A high level of confidence in the NCMAG programme was demonstrated and no barriers to implementation were identified that were specific to NCMAG advice. These findings suggest that NCMAG advice is clinically impactful and that NCMAG is making strong progress towards its aim of supporting equitable access to safe and effective off label and off patent cancer medicines across Scotland.