Around 5,700 people with early breast
cancer could benefit from a new treatment combination after NICE
approved it for use in the NHS, to help prevent cancer from
returning.
Ribociclib (also known by the brand
name Kisqali and made by Novartis), with an aromatase inhibitor
(a type of endocrine treatment) is recommended as an additional
treatment option for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative
early breast cancer which has responded to initial treatments
including surgery, but where the cancer has a higher risk of
returning.
The treatment is already available for
people with early breast cancer that has spread to nearby lymph
nodes (lymph node-positive) through interim funding from the
Cancer Drugs Fund. This followed NICE's previous draft guidance
in April recommending it for that group. Today's decision means
it will now be available for people whose disease hasn't spread
to nearby lymph nodes (lymph
node-negative).
Helen Knight, director of
medicines evaluation at NICE, said:
“With today's decision ribociclib
becomes the 25th
out of 26 breast cancer treatments
NICE has recommended for use in the NHS in the last 7
years.
“This is fantastic news for the tens
of thousands of patients and their loved ones who are now
benefiting from access to cutting edge new treatments. It is also
due in no small part to the willingness of companies to engage
with us constructively, as in the case with ribociclib, to ensure
the benefits of their treatments are properly presented and
appropriately priced.”
Ribociclib targets proteins
called cyclin-dependent kinase
(CDK) 4 and 6 inhibitor, which
play a role in cancer cell growth and division. By blocking these
proteins, the treatment helps to slow or stop cancer growth. It
is taken alongside another medicine called an aromatase
inhibitor, which is a hormone therapy that reduces oestrogen
levels in the body.
Clinical trials show that combining
ribociclib with an aromatase inhibitor may extend the time before
cancer returns compared with using an aromatase inhibitor
alone.
Novartis has agreed a confidential
discount to the NHS on the standard price of ribociclib, making
it a cost-effective treatment option.
NICE already recommends ribociclib
plus fulvestrant as an option for treating hormone
receptor-positive, HER2-negative, locally advanced or metastatic
breast cancer in adults who have had previous endocrine
therapy.
