The Scottish Medicines Consortium has recommended the use of the lung cancer treatment – alectinib hydrochloride -for people with non-small cell lung carcinoma.
Known by its brand name Alecensa, the targeted therapy will be made available for people with stage 1b to stage 3a non-small cell lung cancer with the ALK+ mutation.
The treatment, developed by Roche, has already shown to be effective in treating advanced or metastatic ALK+ lung cancer. This latest recommendation now sees the drug given as an adjuvant treatment to people who have surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “This latest announcement is a further demonstration of the process being made in our fight against lung cancer.
Every new treatment provides more hope to those living with all forms of the disease, and as our patients regularly tell us – hope is their rocket fuel.”
Dr. Fiona MacLeod, leading oncologist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, said, “The availability of Alecensa in Scotland is a major step forward in the treatment of ALK-positive lung cancer. It is a highly effective therapy that offers patients the potential for longer survival with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. This approval provides new hope for patients and their families, and marks an important milestone in the fight against lung cancer.”
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf stated, “We are proud to announce the availability of Alecensa for lung cancer patients in Scotland. Ensuring that the latest, most effective treatments are accessible to those who need them is a top priority for our government. This is an important development that will help many people across the country as they battle this life-threatening disease.”
Patients and healthcare professionals are encouraged to consult with oncology specialists about eligibility for Alecensa treatment. The drug will be available at NHS facilities across Scotland.
About Alecensa
Alecensa (alectinib hydrochloride) is an ALK inhibitor used to treat ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. It has been shown to effectively target the specific mutations that drive the growth of cancer cells, offering patients a targeted therapy with fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments. Alecensa is administered orally and has been approved for use in multiple countries, including the United States and several European nations.