Government of Jersey

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made (27.02.06) to approve the use of Trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2 - positive early breast cancer.

Subject:	Trastuzumab (Herceptin® )for HER2-positive early breast cancer
Decision Reference:	MD-HSS-2006-0012	Exempt clause(s):			-
Type of Report: (oral (O) or written (W))	O
Telephone or email meeting?	-	Person giving report (if oral):			Dr Graham Prince Paul McCabe
Written Report title:	-
Name of Author:	-
Date of Report:	3 February 2006			Report File ref:
Decision(s): To approve the use of Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) in accordance with the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) “UK Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Adjuvant Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) With or Following Chemotherapy in HER2-positive Early Breast Cancer”.
Reason(s) for decision: Recent clinical trials have reported considerable therapeutic benefit in early breast cancer and also an early significant survival benefit.
Action required:
Signature:			Date of Decision:

Trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2 - positive early breast cancer

HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Supporting Document to Decision Summary

Trastuzumab (Herceptin ® ) for HER2-positive early breast cancer

Oral report to Minister for Health and Social Services by Dr Graham Prince, Chairman of Health and Social Services Drugs and Therapeutics Committee and Paul McCabe, Chief Pharmacist, 3 February 2006.

Decision(s):

To approve the use of trastuzumab (Herceptin®) in accordance with the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) “UK Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Adjuvant Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) With or Following Chemotherapy in HER2-positive Early Breast Cancer”

Reason(s) for decision:

Trastuzumab is currently used to treat patients with recurrent HER2-positive breast cancer once standard chemotherapy has failed. It is licensed for this purpose.

Three recent clinical trials using Trastuzumab as adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer have reported considerably therapeutic benefit with around a 50% reduction in the risk of recurrence when Trastuzumab was given in conjunction with or following chemotherapy. The combined results of two of the trials are also showing an early significant survival benefit. Trastuzumab is not currently licensed for use in this way; however, such use is supported by the Health and Social Services Drugs and Therapeutics Committee.

Treatment with Trastuzumab for 12 months in accordance with the NCRI guidelines would cost approximately £20,000 per patient. It is estimated that approximately 5 patients per year would fulfil the criteria for treatment under the NCRI guidelines, representing an annual cost of approximately £100,000.

Paul McCabe

3 February 2006