Application 1065
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Application No. | 1065 |
| Application Name | Sentinel lymph node biopsy |
| Advisory Panel | Professor Bruce Barraclough (Chair and MSAC Member) Dr Ewa Piejko (MSAC Member) Dr Paul Craft (MSAC Member) A/Professor John Collins (RACS nominee) Dr Jennifer Carson (RANZCR nominee) Ms Avis Macphee (Consumer s' Health Forum of Australia nominee) Dr Robert Howman-Giles (ANZAPNM nominee) |
| Date Received by MSAC Secretariat | 16 December 2002 |
| Stage 1 - Eligibility | Eligible |
| Stage 2 - Assessment | Completed |
| Stage 3 - Formulation of Advice to the Minister | This assessment was considered by the MSAC at the 2 March 2005 meeting. Sentinel node biopsy appears to be safe and effective in identifying sentinel lymph nodes resulting in the reduction of complications due to axillary lymph node dissection, in particular lymphoedema. Long term outcomes are uncertain. MSAC recommends interim funding for sentinel node biopsy should be provided pending the outcome of trials already in progress and should be reviewed in five years. |
| Stage 4 - Decision | Endorsed by the Minister for Health and Ageing on 4 July 2005 |
| Stage 5 - Implementation | Implemented |
