NHS England fast-tracks new life-extending blood cancer treatment

NHS England has taken a monumental step by fast-tracking a ground-breaking treatment for blood cancer, offering renewed hope to thousands affected by this group of diseases. Each year, over 40,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, highlighting the urgent need for effective therapies.

The new targeted treatment, Quizartinib, can now be prescribed to newly-diagnosed patients with a specific type of leukaemia, boosting their chance of remission and long-term survival.

Fast-tracking allows this new treatment to undergo an expedited review process, ensuring quicker access for patients without compromising safety and efficacy. This initiative reflects the NHS’s commitment to innovation in healthcare, providing patients with the latest scientific advancements sooner.

Around 3,100 people are diagnosed with this type of cancer in the UK annually, with just over a quarter (27%) of those having the FLT3-ITD genetic mutation and therefore able to receive the new treatment.

The once-a-day tablet will be offered to adults as part of initial treatment alongside chemotherapy, and then for a further 3 years as a maintenance treatment to reduce the likelihood of cancer relapses.

The UK’s medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, determined the safety and effectiveness of the drug earlier this year, noting that patients receiving quizartinib had a median overall survival of 31.9 months compared to 15.1 months for those receiving the placebo. The median survival rate marks the point at which half of patients had survived in trials.

This life-extending therapy aims to improve survival rates while minimising side effects compared to traditional treatments. It promises not only to enhance the quality of life for patients but also to reduce the strain on healthcare resources by potentially shortening hospital stays.

The announcement has sparked optimism among patients, families, and healthcare professionals. As one advocate stated, “This treatment isn’t just about extending life; it’s about improving the quality of that life.”

NHS England’s decision to fast-track this new treatment is a significant milestone in the fight against blood cancer. As research and innovation continue to evolve, this initiative shines a light on the future of care for the 40,000 individuals diagnosed each year, bringing hope for better outcomes ahead.

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