NICE recommends Jevtana for advanced prostate cancer
pharmafile | May 25, 2016 | News story | Sales and Marketing | Jevtana, NICE, approval, prostate cancer, recommendation
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Sanofi Genzyme’s Jevtana (cabazitaxel), in combination with prednisone or prednisolone, as a treatment option for metastatic hormone-relapsed prostate cancer.
Jevtana has had a mixed history with UK authorities to date. It was removed, and then reinstated, to the Cancer Drugs Fund by the NHS. Originally turned down in NICE draft guidance, it was then recommended last month for prostate cancer patients whose disease has progressed during or after docetaxel chemotherapy under a certain set of conditions.
The latest NICE guidance reinforces Jevtana’s position as the only remaining NICE chemotherapy option for advanced prostate cancer which is not responsive to hormone therapies following initial chemotherapy. The guidance acknowledges the treatment as both clinically- and cost-effective.
Nick James, professor of clinical oncology at Queen University Hospital in Birmingham, says: “I am delighted with this announcement from NICE, which represents an important milestone for men with advanced prostate cancer. It means patients will now have access to another effective treatment which may offer extended survival to patients who have failed on other treatments.”
Hugh Gunn, spokesperson for charity TACKLE Prostate Cancer, adds: “We believe that every man with advanced prostate cancer should have access to the treatments that work best for them and their needs. This recommendation provides an important treatment for patients who are in the latter stages of the disease and who have few therapeutic options.”
It is expected that NHS Wales and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland will adopt the same stance as NICE. Jevtana is also currently being appraised by the Scottish Medicines Consortium. The result from their health technology appraisal is expected in June.
Sean Murray
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