Onkológia 2/2017

Horizontal scanning and fast scanning system of anticancer treatment in Slovakia. The first results of the pilot project

Introduction: The main intention of the authors of the article was to introduce the concept of horizontal scanning (HS) and the possibilities and methods of its usefulness in the drug policy setting, based on the example of HS for cancer therapy. Material and methods: Authors processed the review of the available information on the HS and presented a pilot project on HS in Slovakia (Slovak Republic) using electronical search on new and emerging medical technologies or indications of cancer therapy in the form of questionnaires in line with the recommendations of EuroScan. Results: The results received from 8 marketing authorisation holders showed emerging of 31 molecules in the 46 indications for the years 2012 to 2022, while for the years 2017-2019 was recorded relatively precise number of new indications (4), respectively new molecules (18) for the treatment of cancer. Only 10 of all reported molecules/indications had label „orphan“. The molecules announced as 2012 – 2016 represents drugs already available in the system of individual exemptions reimbursed by health insurance. Conclusions: The pilot project of the rapid scanning stressed out the urgent need to establish a comprehensive and systematic horizontal scanning as a tool for improving the budget impact management as well as the impact on public health of the Slovak population.

Keywords: horizontal scanning, rapid scanning, the cancer therapy, the drug policy planning, the budget impact