Health watchdogs have done a U-turn in regards to a new cancer treatment for patients with leukaemia, enabling patients in England and Wales to have access to the drug.
New drug targets Leukaemia
The drug known as Gazyvaro aims to treat those with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), and claims to have the ability to reduce risk of death by 59% by preventing cancer from multiplying.
CLL affects 3,000 people in Wales, and 20,000 in the UK.
‘Nice’s reversal on access to Gazyvaro means that clinicians will have an important new treatment option to help fight this common form of blood cancer,’ said Prof Chris Fegan, who led the trials at Cardiff University.
‘Many patients with CLL often suffer from other medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, making them unsuitable for more aggressive treatments.
‘Gazyvaro is a tolerable option that can not only keep these patients in remission for significantly longer, but offers a survival benefit over the current standard.
‘The fact that patients across England and Wales will soon be able to routinely access Gazyvaro via the NHS will be welcome news to all those involved.’