Application Detail
Description of Medical Service
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) test for evaluation of Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression to determine eligibility for treatment with pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The biopsy sample taken as part of a standard diagnostic process will be used for immunohistochemical testing with PD-L1. The testing would be done by a pathologist alongside other immunohistochemical tests which are done routinely.Description of Medical Condition
Recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Head and neck cancer includes tumours arising from the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, thyroid and salivary glands. Individuals who have progressed following initial definitive treatment have recurrent disease and require subsequent treatment. Patient who present with metastatic disease generally receive the same therapy as those with recurrent disease following initial definitive treatment.Reason for Application
New MBS itemMedical Service Type
PBAC Co-dependent technologyPrevious Application Number
1522Associated Documentation
Application Form
Refer to previous applicationConsultation Survey
Consultation Survey (PDF 684 KB)Consultation Survey (Word 72 KB)
PICO Confirmation
Refer to previous applicationAssessment Report
-Public Summary Document
Public Summary Document (PDF 1037 KB)Public Summary Document (Word 566 KB)