Horizon Scanning of Oncology Drugs in Iran in 2015

Background: Healthcare horizon scanning systems, have become one of the main components of health technology assessment. We conducted a horizon scanning exercise to identify new oncology drugs that may have a high impact on cancer patients and the health system in Iran. Methods: We reviewed existing health technology horizon scanning systems, and selected and weighted criteria for prioritizing oncology drugs, including 1) clinical efficiency and effectiveness, 2) incidence and prevalence of cancer types, 3) potential costs, 4) availability of alternative treatment, 5) having variable indications, 6) quality of evidence, and 7) being a first, second or third line drug. We reviewed horizon scanning reports in other countries and prepared a list of new oncology drugs to be ranked. We summarized clinical and epidemiological information about the drugs and presented them to a member of our expert panel who ranked them based on a structured checklist. Eventually, the drugs were categorized into four groups from low to high impact, based on their effect on patients and the health system of Iran in the future. Results: We identified 158 new oncology drugs, most of which were in their phase III clinical trials, and had been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Finally, we selected 18 medicines as having the highest impact on patients and the health system of Iran. Conclusion: The results of this study can be used for several purposes, including research and drug development. These results suggest the need for periodical horizon scanning in Iran and other low and middle income countries.