Leukaemia drug fast-tracked by NICE

pharmafile | January 6, 2011 | News story | Sales and Marketing Bendamustine, Levact, NICE, Napp, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, leukaemia 

A treatment for patients with the most common form of leukaemia has been fast tracked by NICE because of strong evidence for its use.

The draft guidance issued on 23 December recommends the use of Napp’s Levact (bendamustine) as a first-line treatment for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (Binet stage B or C) for whom treatment with fludarabine combination chemotherapy is not appropriate.

Around 2,400 people are diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in the UK each year, but there are few options for patients who cannot receive chemotherapy.

Dr Carole Longson, Health Technology Evaluation Centre director at NICE, said: “Most patients will receive fludarabine combination chemotherapy, but this is a very intensive treatment and is not suitable for everyone. For those who cannot receive this chemotherapy, there are very few treatment options left.

“Bendamustine was shown to slow the growth and spread of the cancer, on average, by over 13 months more than chlorambucil, which is the only other drug available for those unable to have fludarabine chemotherapy. This more than justifies the extra cost that the NHS will need to pay for the treatment, which in itself is low.”

The Appraisal Committee judged that the strength of the evidence presented justified fast tracking the appraisal and moving it straight to the final stage of guidance development.  This means consultees will have an opportunity to appeal against the proposed recommendation.

Tony Gavin, director of Cancer Campaigning and Patient Advocacy at Leukaemia CARE, said: “This positive recommendation by NICE is great news for patients, particularly since the treatment options for patients with CLL are very limited.

“Bendamustine can and will help to make a real difference to people’s lives. We at Leukaemia CARE are looking forward to this guidance being published as soon as possible so that patients can start receiving this treatment as soon as their doctor thinks they need it.”

Andrew McConaghie

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