- Targeted immunotherapy found to significantly increase
overall survival rates for people with an aggressive form of lung
cancer given the green light.
People with an aggressive form of lung cancer are set to benefit
after NICE today (Tuesday, 16 September) recommended a new,
life-extending immunotherapy.
Durvalumab, also known as Imfinzi and made by AstraZeneca, is
recommended in final draft guidance for adults with limited-stage
small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This is where the cancer is
contained in a single area on one side of the chest and has not
progressed following initial treatment with chemotherapy and/or
radiotherapy.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease that grows
rapidly and spreads quickly to other areas of the body. In most
people diagnosed with SCLC, the cancer has already spread
(metastasised). But in about 30% of people, the cancer is
contained in a single area that can be treated with radiotherapy.
This is known as limited-stage SCLC (SCLC).
Symptoms can include breathlessness, coughing up blood, chest
pain and weight loss. There have been limited advances in the
treatment of limited-stage SCLC for over 20 years, and there are
currently no maintenance treatments available after chemotherapy
and radiotherapy.
Just over 1,000 people in England are diagnosed with limited
stage SCLC each year and it is estimated that 530 people could
benefit from the new medicine, which is available in the NHS from
today.
Durvalumab, which is given by infusion (drip) every 2-4 weeks
depending on the person's body weight, is a protein and works by
helping the immune system fight the cancer.
Clinical trial results found that the drug significantly
increased overall survival and progression-free survival in
people where the cancer had not spread following chemotherapy and
radiotherapy.
The trial found that the median overall survival for people
taking durvalumab was 55.9 months compared with
33.4 months for those taking a placebo. Median
progression-free survival was 16.6 months for those on
durvalumab and 9.2 months for those on placebo.
There are no standard treatments for people with limited-stage
SCLC that has not progressed after chemoradiotherapy, with only
active monitoring of the disease offered. Surgery may also be an
option for some people with early-stage SCLC but is not possible
for most people with the disease as it is usually diagnosed at a
later stage.
Helen Knight, Director of Medicines Evaluation at NICE,
said: “I am very pleased we have been able to recommend
this effective new treatment for a highly aggressive form of lung
cancer with limited treatment options.
“This is a devastating disease with a poor prognosis, so a drug
proven to improve the length and quality of people's lives,
giving them more precious time with their family and friends, is
most welcome.
“This is the first immunotherapy NICE has recommended for
limited-stage small cell lung cancer, and we are determined to
ensure we continue focusing on what matters most by getting the
best care to people fast.”
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer
Foundation, said: “This decision offers a huge step
forward for people diagnosed with limited-stage small cell lung
cancer, a disease where progress has been desperately overdue.
“For more than two decades, patients with this form of lung
cancer have faced the same treatment options with little change
in outcomes. Now, there is a treatment that can extend survival
and give people more precious time with their loved ones.
“On behalf of everyone affected by lung cancer, we welcome NICE's
recommendation and the hope it brings to families facing this
devastating diagnosis.”
Read the full final draft guidance for durvalumab for treating
limited-stage small-cell lung cancer after platinum-based
chemoradiotherapy.
