Our analysts evaluate clinical trial data, along with information regarding safety issues, coverage policies from the private and public sectors, regulatory approvals, consensus statements, and an overall projection of the potential clinical efficacy and economic impact of the technology. Reports are reviewed annually up to 5 years post publication to determine if there is new literature or evidence that would impact a change in rating and warrant an updated report.
Health Problem: Peritoneal mesothelioma (PM) is a rare primary tumor affecting the serosal (watery) lining of the peritoneum.
Technology Description: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPC) is used as an adjunct to surgery for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) du…
Health Problem: Varicose veins are dilated, thickened, elongated, and twisted blood vessels that may appear thread-like or as grape-like clusters under the skin, most often on the legs. They are manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition characterized by dysfunction of the valves in veins leading to increased blood pressure, …
Health Problem: Head and neck cancer (HNC) accounts for approximately 4% of all cancers in the United States, with an estimated 65,410 new HNC diagnoses during 2019 and an estimated 14,620 deaths from the disease. HNC can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life by affecting basic functions such as swallowing, hearing, and speakin…
Health Problem: Lymphedema refers to the swelling that occurs due to the accumulation of protein-rich fluids in tissue experiencing inadequate lymphatic drainage. One of the most common causes of secondary lymphedema are treatments for breast cancer, including axillary lymph node dissection, mastectomy, lumpectomy, and axillary radiation ther…
Health Problem: In the United States, it is estimated that 48 million adults have some type of hearing loss. Hearing loss can be broadly classified as sensorineural (inner ear), conductive (external and middle ear), or mixed.
Technology Description: This report evaluates the use of pe…
Health Problem: Pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (PCRS) affects from 1.7 to 4.4 million children in the United States and is associated with an estimated annual expenditure of $1.8 billion. PCRS places a large burden of morbidity on children due to persistent symptoms, impaired sleep, multiple hospital visits, medication usage, and missed sch…
Health Problem: Advances in the technology used for the treatment of cancer have greatly improved survivorship rates in women with cancer. However, the cytotoxic effects of radiation and chemotherapy can result in premature ovarian failure and infertility, which may affect the estimated 25% of female cancer survivors of reproductive age. Estimates suggest that exposure to gon…
Health Problem: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), which is the symptomatic inflammation of sinonasal mucosa, is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions, impacting from 5% to 15% of adults and costing the United States an estimated $6.9 to $9.9 billion per year. Differentiating CRS and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) is challenging, so …
Health Problem: Trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) is a neurological condition that can cause severe pain that cannot be controlled with medication in some patients. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men and the disease most often presents after age 40 years, with a typical age of onset between 60 to 70 years.
Health Problem: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), which is the symptomatic inflammation of sinonasal mucosa, is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions, impacting from 5% to 15% of adults and costing the United States an estimated $6.9 to $9.9 billion per year. Differentiating CRS and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) is challenging, so …