title: Close cooperation with Health Technology Assessment expertise is crucial for implementation and ultimately reimbursement of innovations in oncology.
abstract: The Organisation of European Cancer Institutes OECI working group on Health Economics and Cost Benefit in Oncology suggests four actions that are needed to improve alignment and integration between clinicians, researchers, and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) experts and agencies: 1) HTA expertise is necessary close to or within the comprehensive cancer centres (CCC); 2) HTA expertise should be physically present throughout the translational research process; 3) Appropriate knowledge is necessary within the research staff; 4) Close cooperation between translational researchers, clinicians, and health economists guarantees clinical ownership. Fulfilling these conditions may help the translational research field in oncology to interact with agencies and efficiently move innovative technologies through the translational research stages into that of implementation and diffusion. This brings innovative treatments faster to the patient with a greater chance of reimbursement.
authors.affiliation: The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066CX, The Netherlands; University of Twente, dept of Healthcare Technology and Services Research, Enschede 7522NB, The Netherlands; Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI), Brussels B 1000, Belgium; Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem 6800TA, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: van Harten
authors.affiliation: The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066CX, The Netherlands; University of Twente, dept of Healthcare Technology and Services Research, Enschede 7522NB, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: V P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Retèl
keywords: Health Technology Assessment; collaboration; innovations; oncology practice