In the UK over 12,400 yearly cases of head and neck cancers are reported (2021). Pharyngolaryngeal biopsies (OLB) may improve the speed of diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers under local anesthetic. The Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) published advice on this technology in 2018. Since this, additional evidence has been published to warrant a health technology assessment (HTA) for Wales. The aim of this review was to provide update on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of OLB when compared to undergoing biopsy in an operating theatre (OTB) under general anesthetic to inform decision making in Wales.

A rapid review was undertaken of relevant databases since 2018 of the clinical evidence, health economics and patient perspectives relevant to Wales. Health Technology Wales (HTW) developed a de-novo cost-utility analysis comparing OLB to OTB over a lifetime horizon. Inputs were sourced from the SHTG budget impact analysis, updated with values more relevant to a Welsh setting.

From consultation to biopsy procedure, the mean number of days was 1.3 for OLB compared to 17.4 days under OTB (p < 0.05). The mean time from consultation to start of treatment was 27 days for OLB compared to 41.5 days for OTB (p < 0.05). The economic analysis found a resulting ICER of GBP21,011 (EUR23,824.23) in a population with 2,183 at risk patients. As OLB was associated with lower costs (GBP816 per person) (EUR925.26) and fewer quality adjusted life years than OTB (-0.04), this ICER corresponds to OLB being considered a cost-effective diagnostic strategy.

HTW guidance was able to recommend use of OLB within the diagnostic pathway for head and neck cancers within Wales. For people with a positive test, OLB is sufficient to confirm a diagnosis but should not be used to rule out a diagnosis due to the potential in reducing the time to diagnosis and treatment in a cost-saving way.

Since the vaccine roll out, research has focused on vaccine safety and efficacy, with large clinical trials confirming that vaccines are generally effective against symptomatic COVID-19 infection. However, breakthrough infections can still occur, and the effectiveness of vaccines against transmission from infected vaccinated people to susceptible contacts is unclear.

Health Technology Wales (HTW) collaborated with the Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre to identify and examine evidence on the transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 from vaccinated people to unvaccinated or vaccinated people.

We conducted a systematic literature search for evidence on vaccinated people exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in any setting. Outcome measures included transmission rate, cycle threshold (Ct) values and viral load. We identified a rapid review by the University of Calgary that was the main source of our outcome data. Nine studies published following the rapid review were also identified and included.

In total, 35 studies were included in this review: one randomized controlled trial (RCT), one post-hoc analysis of an RCT, 13 prospective cohort studies, 16 retrospective cohort studies and four case control studies.

All studies reported a reduction in transmission of the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant from partial and fully vaccinated individuals. More recent evidence is uncertain on the effects of vaccination on transmission of the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant. Overall, vaccine effectiveness in reducing transmission appears to increase with full vaccination, compared with partial vaccination. Most of the direct evidence is limited to transmission in household settings therefore, there is a gap in the evidence on risk of transmission in other settings. One UK study found protection against onward transmission waned within 3 months post second vaccination.

Early findings that focused on the alpha variant, showed a reduction in transmission from vaccinated people. There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of vaccination on transmission of the Delta variant, therefore alternative preventative measures to reduce transmission may still be required.