The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended a new immunotherapy drug for patients with a specific type of advanced lung cancer.
On Friday 2 December, NICE issued a Final Appraisal Determination (FAD). The decision approves Pembrolizumab for people with Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is PD-L1 positive. The treatment is for patients who have already received platinum-based chemotherapy.
Pembrolizumab is a type of immunotherapy. It stimulates the body’s immune system to recognise and fight cancer cells.
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation Welcomes the Decision
Paula Chadwick, Chief Executive of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, welcomed the announcement as a “breakthrough” for patients and their families.
She said:
“We are very pleased with this decision. Pembrolizumab is one of a new generation of immunotherapy drugs, and represents a fresh option for hundreds of patients who have this specific form of lung cancer.
“It is wonderful news, and we hope this paves the way for further positive decisions for lung cancer patients across the UK.
“This new type of therapy is an exciting development in the treatment of lung cancer. For many of our patients and their families this is a breakthrough moment – a recognition that these new medicines can truly benefit people with an advanced form of the disease”.
Patient Perspective
Martin Grange, Trustee of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation – and a lung cancer patient – also welcomed the announcement.
He said:
“Lung cancer takes up only 6% of the research funding spent on the ‘big four’ cancers. That is despite lung cancer being the UK’s biggest cancer killer. Alongside many of our supporters, we have campaigned tirelessly to address this.
“Today’s announcement from NICE is a real milestone. We congratulate all those involved and hope it paves the way for many more decisions that will help to fight this dreadful disease”.
Lung Cancer in the UK
Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other type of cancer. More than 35,000 people die from the disease in the UK each year.
The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the only UK charity dedicated solely to beating lung cancer.