OBJECTIVES: Medtech Innovation Briefings (MIBs) are early advice published by the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to provide rapid information on innovative technologies and assist decision-making by physicians and policymakers. We evaluate trends in MIBs in oncology since its inception in 2014.

METHODS: Structured desk research was conducted. MIBs published till December 2022 were screened for oncology-related technologies. Data were extracted and analysed pertaining to cancer type, product category, clinical and cost evidence, and regulatory class. MIBs converted to Medical Technologies Guidance (MTG) were also assessed.

RESULTS: A total of 258 MIBs were published till Dec 2022; of these 33 were related to oncology with breast cancer being the most frequent (9) followed by prostate cancer (6). Approximately half (46%) of the technologies were used at National Health Service (NHS) centers at the time of their publication and the remaining were not adopted due to cost barriers or gaps in clinical evidence; however, five technologies were still being used at private hospitals despite non-adoption at NHS. Majority (94%) of the published MIBs related to oncology focused on innovative technologies in diagnosis/monitoring. Medical devices (MD) and in-vitro diagnostic (IVDs) devices require CE marking before it may enter the EU market. “Class II” for MD and “General” category for IVDs remained the CE mark class predominantly. Mostly the clinical evidence came from observational studies; however, 20% MIBs summarized evidence from randomized controlled trials as well. In terms of cost, new technologies differ largely to standard of care. Among the 64 total MTGs as of December 2022, two MTGs have replaced earlier MIBs.

CONCLUSIONS: MIBs plays a significant and increasing role in adoption of novel technologies in oncology by providing impartial early information. Cost, lack of funding, and clinical evidence often prevents the adoption of innovative technologies.