Details of HTA project
Last updated: 15 July 2008 - Next update due: 22 July 2008
Research type: |
NICE Technology Assessment Report (TAR) |
Project title: |
Cannabinoids (cannabis derivatives) for treatment of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis |
Project ref: |
02/23/01 |
Cost: |
This project has been commissioned by the HTA programme on behalf of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on a call-off contract basis. |
Chief Investigator : |
School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR-TAG), University of Sheffield |
Start Date: |
March 2003. |
Publication date: |
Early 2009. This date takes account of time for report preparation and printing based on current average times for these activities. |
Abstract: |
The overall aim of this review will be to consider the evidence concerning the clinical and cost effectiveness of cannabis based medicine extract (CBME, GW Pharmaceuticals) and dronabinol (Marinol®, Solvay Healthcare Ltd.) within their anticipated licensed indications, compared to standard current pharmacological treatment for the relief of symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. Where evidence allows, this review will include reductions in MS-related spasticity and muscle spasm, pain (chronic refractory pain, neuropathic pain and other types of pain), tremor, bladder dysfunction and lower urinary tract problems, sleep disturbance, as well as psychological effects such as depression. The assessment of CBME and dronabinol in the management of further MS symptoms will be determined by the existence of evidence. The review will include any significant impacts of CBME and dronabinol on health-related quality of life. This assessment will take into account any dose-related effects arising from management with dronabinol or CBME. If evidence allows, the review will attempt to identify criteria for selecting patients for whom treatment with CBME or dronabinol would be particularly appropriate. More specifically, the review of CBME and dronabinol in the management of MS-related symptoms aims to: (1) evaluate the clinical effectiveness of CBME and dronabinol within their anticipated licensed indications* (2) estimate the impact of CBME and dronabinol on health-related quality of life* (3) evaluate the adverse effect profile and toxicity for CBME and dronabinol (4) estimate the incremental cost effectiveness of the interventions in comparison to standard current pharmacological treatment* (5) estimate the overall cost to the NHS in England and Wales of routinely offering CBME and dronabinol for the management of symptoms associated with MS* * The synthesis of evidence concerning both the clinical and cost effectiveness of CBME and dronabinol is dependent on the evidence available at the time of the assessment. The HTA Programme commissioned this technology assessment report on behalf of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. |
MeSH* index primary terms: |
MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS Q-drug-therapy; ANALGESICS-NON-NARCOTIC Q-therapeutic-use; CANNABINOIDS Q-therapeutic-use; TETRAHYDROCANNIBINOL Q-therapeutic-use |
MeSH* index secondary terms: |
HUMAN; QUALITY-OF-LIFE; COST-BENEFIT-ANALYSIS |
NRR* number, if applicable: |
N0484121637 (*National Research Register) |
Project Protocol: |
Project protocol not available |
URL of this page: |
http://www.hta.ac.uk/1361 |
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