![Life-prolonging drug for incurable advanced breast cancer approved for NHS use](https://chadlaw.dnsupdate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/syringe-and-tablets.jpg)
09
Mar 2021
Life-prolonging drug for incurable advanced breast cancer approved for NHS use
Under new guidance, women with incurable advanced breast cancer will have access to a drug from the NHS that can potentially extend life by almost eight months.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved the drug – ribociclib, also known as Kisqali – for routine use by the NHS in England and Wales, saying that around 3,300 women a year with advanced breast cancer could benefit from the decision.
The drug could be used alongside another treatment medication fulvestrant, to treat hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in women who have already had endocrine therapy and where another drug combination – everolimus alongside exemestane – is otherwise deemed to be the most appropriate treatment.
NICE have said the drug combination could delay the progress of breast cancer and the point at which a patient needs to start chemotherapy, as well as prolong life.
Charity Breast Cancer Now’s chief executive Baroness Delyth Morgan, said “This life-changing treatment will now bring thousands more women living with incurable secondary breast cancer hope of precious extra time to live with.
“As well as offering certain patients with incurable breast cancer extra time with loved ones, this innovative drug combination can help delay the need for chemotherapy and its debilitating side-effects.”
NICE’s deputy chief executive Meindert Boysen, said “Treatments that can postpone disease progression are important because they can mean some people can avoid the often unpleasant side-effects of chemotherapy and delay the need for its use in others.
“We are pleased that our original decision to make ribociclib available through the CDF not only gave people access to it earlier than would be otherwise have been possible but has now, through the data collected during that time, allowed us to recommend it for routine use on the NHS.”
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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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