Alecensa recommended for early-stage ALK-positive lung cancer
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.
A step forward in our fight against lung cancer
Paula Chadwick, Chief Executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “This latest announcement shows the progress we are making 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.”
Expert reaction: a major step forward
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.”
Government response
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. This is an important development that will help many people across the country as they battle this life-threatening disease.”
Who may be eligible
We encourage patients and healthcare professionals to speak with oncology specialists about eligibility for Alecensa. The drug will be available at NHS facilities across Scotland.
About Alecensa
Alecensa (alectinib hydrochloride) is an ALK inhibitor that treats ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Targeting specific mutations that drive cancer growth offering a more focused treatment with fewer side effects than conventional therapies. Patients take Alecensa by mouth. Regulators have approved it for use in many countries, including the United States and several European nations.