Although we will not be issuing a formal press release, we wanted
to let you know that NICE is recommending atezolizumab for
non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after complete tumour removal
on the Cancer Drugs Fund.
Clinical trial evidence shows that, compared with active
monitoring, atezolizumab reduces the risk of the disease coming
back and may also lower the risk of death.
Just over a thousand people in England could benefit after NICE
today (Tuesday, 23 August) published final draft guidance on
atezolizumab (also known as Tecentriq and made by Roche).
As the data is new more long-term evidence needs to be collected
to address clinical uncertainties and provide clearer estimates
around the cost effectiveness of the treatment. Atezolizumab
therefore cannot be recommended for routine use on the NHS but is
for the Cancer Drugs Fund to allow long-term evidence to be
collected to address clinical uncertainties.
Atezolizumab is administered as intravenous infusion every two to
four weeks depending on the severity of the disease. It can be
given for up to a year unless the cancer returns, or the patient
develops increased toxicity because of the treatment.
NICE is committed to continuing to drive innovative treatments
into the hands of health and care professionals to benefit
patients.
A confidential price discount has been provided to the NHS.
You can read the full final appraisal document for atezolizumab
for adjuvant treatment of resected non-small-cell lung cancer in
adults on the NICE website.
Notes to editors
The Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) is a source of funding for cancer
drugs in England. When NICE recommends a treatment as an option
for use within the Cancer Drugs Fund, NHS England will make it
available according to the conditions in the managed access
agreement. This means that, if a patient has non-small-cell lung
cancer (NSCLC) cancer and the doctor responsible for their care
thinks that atezolizumab is the right treatment, it should be
available for use, in line with NICE's recommendations and the
Cancer Drugs Fund criteria in the managed access agreement.
