Editorial: Analysis of the 10 latest HTA reports in Sweden

Synergus’ analysis included the 10 latest HTA reports by different national and regional HTA bodies in Sweden. The reports covered various disease areas and technology areas, most of them related to treatment and diagnosis of cancers. 

The average number of studies included in the HTA analyses is similar among reports with positive and unclear conclusions, but much lower for reports with negative conclusions. The average number of included RCT studies were highest in reports with unclear conclusions and the lowest in reports with negative conclusions. The average study sample size was largest in reports with unclear conclusion followed by positive reports. Published economic studies were not found or considered in most of the HTA reports, the economic aspects were in most cases estimated by the individual HTA body. Budget impact analysis/cost analysis were the most common type of analyses, and were mostly present in positive reports compared to reports with unclear or negative conclusion. 

The key rationale for the conclusion of positive reports was the effectiveness of the treatment while absence of effectiveness was the main rationale in reports with negative conclusions. The rationales for reports with no clear conclusion was insufficient evidence, low quality of the studies, and transferability problems.