New hope for breast cancer patients as life-extending drug now on NHS in England
The drug can extend life by almost seven months on average, and campaigners say about 1,000 women a year could benefit.
- On Thursday, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence confirmed Enhertu is now available for roughly 1,000 women in England with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer following a newly agreed "commercial solution."
- NICE reversed its 2024 rejection after a UK-USA trade deal increased the cost-effectiveness threshold per Quality-Adjusted Life Year from £30,000 to £35,000, alongside new quality-of-life assessment methods introduced in August.
- Patient Paula Van Santen, 51, from Banbury, described the approval as a "new sense of hope," as Enhertu can extend life by nearly seven months on average, with some patients living up to three years longer.
- Health Secretary Yvette Cooper called the decision "life-changing," while Breast Cancer Now chief executive Claire Rowney noted the delay caused "devastating cost" for patients who missed treatment opportunities.
- AstraZeneca UK country president Tom Keith-Roach stated the milestone aligns England with Scotland and 26 other European countries, while officials now look to Wales and Northern Ireland to expand availability.
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7 Articles
NHS Approves Breast Cancer Drug Rejected Two Years Ago After Trump Deal Raises NICE Spending Limit
NICE has approved Enhertu for eligible women in England after a new drug deal and higher cost-effectiveness threshold made the treatment affordable for NHS funding.
NHS to offer life-extending breast cancer drug after pricing row
Life-extending breast cancer drug made available on NHS after U-turn
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) announced that it has reversed an initial decision to reject the drug for widespread use for the NHS in England
A Life-Extending Breast Cancer Drug Finally Comes to England
Women in England with incurable breast cancer to get life-extending drug on NHS
Thousands with HER2-low advanced breast cancer will have access to Enhertu after ministers strike deal on price Thousands of women in England with incurable breast cancer will get access to a life-extending drug on the NHS after negotiations over its cost proved successful. About 1,000 women a year with HER2-low advanced breast cancer will be…
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