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
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
- Role of NCMAG 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.