Consultation responses

Read our consultation responses that ensure women with ovarian cancer's interests are reflected in decisions affecting treatment, diagnosis and support.

Target Ovarian Cancer responds to consultations from the government, the NHS, and bodies responsible for clinical guidelines when they plan to change an existing, or introduce a new, policy or set of guidelines. Our responses reflect the priorities of women with ovarian cancer and the changes needed to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Health & Social Care Committee Wales - Impact of the waiting times inquiry

The Welsh Health & Social Care Committee launched an inquiry into the impact of the waiting times backlog on people in Wales who are waiting for diagnosis or treatment. Target Ovarian Cancer submitted evidence to the consultation sharing key recommendations to help address the impact of coronavirus on the backlog. 

Read our response to the consultation here.

Health & Social Care Select Committee Inquiry- Cancer Services 

The Health & Social Care Select Committee looked at why cancer outcomes in England continue to lag behind comparable countries internationally and examine evidence relating to the underlying causes of these differences. The inquiry also looked at the impact disruption to cancer services during the covid-19 pandemic had on efforts to catch up. Target Ovarian Cancer submitted evidence to the inquiry sharing our recommendations on how we can ensure that ovarian cancer survival and care are in line with the best in the world. 

Read our response to the inquiry on Cancer Services here

Scottish Medicines Consortium appraisal of olaparib

The Scottish Medicine Consortium (SMC) has accepted cancer drug olaparib (Lynparza®) for use within NHS Scotland. Olaparib is available as a maintenance treatment for adult patients with platinum-sensitive relapsed BRCA-mutated (germline and/or somatic) high-grade serous epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in response (complete response or partial response) to platinum-based chemotherapy. Target Ovarian Cancer participated in the consultation process as a patient expert organisation, sharing the views of women living with ovarian cancer, their families and carers.

Read our consultation response for the Scottish Medicines Consortium appraisal of olaparib [PDF]

Scottish Medicines Consortium appraisal of rucaparib

The Scottish Medicine Consortium (SMC) considered rucaparib (Rubraca®) for use in NHS Scotland. Target Ovarian Cancer participated in the consultation process as a patient expert organisation, sharing the views of women living with ovarian cancer, their families and carers. We responded to the initial consultation and we gave evidence at the Patient and Clinician Engagement (PACE) meeting, a process that gives patient groups and clinicians a stronger voice in SMC decision making.

Read our consultation response for the Scottish Medicines Consortium appraisal of rucaparib [PDF]

Long-term plan for the NHS in England 

After the government announced an increase in NHS funding in England over five years, in 2018 Target Ovarian Cancer had the opportunity to submit evidence to NHS England to help shape a long-term plan for cancer and inform them of our priorities. We used a survey to collect thoughts and opinions from women with an ovarian cancer diagnosis to additionally inform our response.

Read our NHS long term plan submission [PDF]

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence appraisal of niraparib

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) considered whether new cancer drug niraparib (Zejula®) should be funded on the NHS. Target Ovarian Cancer responded to the initial consultation, which was focused on the need for new treatments for ovarian cancer. We then gave evidence at the NICE Committee meeting considering niraparib and responded to a further more detailed consultation on funding for niraparib. 

Read our response to NICE's initial consultation of niraparib [PDF]

Read our response to NICE's Appraise Consultation Document (ACD) for niraparib [PDF]

Proposed changes to how the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) evaluates and funds new drugs 

In 2016/17, NHS England and NICE consulted on changes to how new drugs are evaluated and funded, including a proposal for a further process for any new drug expected to cost the NHS £20 million a year or more.

Read our consultation response to NICE's proposed changes for evaluation and funding of new drugs [PDF]

Proposed changes to Clinical Reference Groups (CRGs) 

CRGs are responsible for setting the standards to which services for more specialised care, including for ovarian cancer, are commissioned. This consultation in 2016 looked at how they are structured.

Read our consultation response to proposed changes for Clinical Reference Groups [PDF]

Changes to the Cancer Drugs Fund 

In 2015/16, NHS England and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence consulted on changes to the Cancer Drugs Fund.

Read our consultation response to changes to the Cancer Drugs Fund [PDF]

Genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations 

Following new guidelines in 2013 which recommended that all women with non-mucinous ovarian cancer be offered genetic testing, NHS England consulted on how this should be commissioned.

Read our consultation response for genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations [PDF]

Call for evidence for new cancer strategy for England 

In 2014/15, the government asked Sir Harpal Kumar, then-Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, to lead an independent taskforce to develop a new five-year cancer strategy for England.

Read our consultation response for the new cancer strategy for England [PDF]