HL Deb 10 February 2003 vol 644 cc91-2WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence final appraisal determination of photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration; and what action they will be taking; and [HL1397]

How many patients with classic, with no occult, subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) will receive treatment as recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in the final appraisal determination of photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration; and [HL1398]

How many patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) will receive treatment as part of the clinical studies recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in the final appraisal determination of photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration; and [HL1399]

How many patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) will not receive treatment as part of the clinical studies recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in the final appraisal determination of photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration; and [HL1400]

Whether they will fund the clinical studies recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the final appraisal determination of photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration; and what assessment they have made of the cost of these studies; and [HL1401]

Whether they will continue to fund treatment for patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) who currently receive treatment with photodynamic therapy but who may be excluded from treatment on the basis of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's final appraisal determination of photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration. [HL1402]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is carrying out an appraisal of photodynamic therapy as a treatment for age related macular degeneration. It has not yet published any guidance to the National Health Service on this topic. NICE prepared its final appraisal determination on photodynamic therapy and circulated it to consultees on 16 January. We understand this document has been appealed against. NICE will now consider any appeals before publishing its final guidance.

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