‘Game changing’ cancer drugs to be fast-tracked by NHS

Two drugs which are known as tumour agnostics, could be available on the NHS later this year, offering hope to patients with hard to treat or rare cancers.

In trials, 75 per cent of tumours responded to the drugs, which target tumours according to their genetic make-up, rather than their location in the body, and work by blocking an enzyme which helps the tumour to grow.

Children and those with rare cancers with few treatment options are expected to benefit the most.

NHS England’s chief executive Simon Stevens, said preparations were now underway to ensure that patients would benefit as soon as possible, although he did warn that manufacturers would need to offer the treatment at fair prices.

Mr Stevens is expected to make the announcement in a forthcoming speech to health leaders tomorrow and is set to say “This exciting new breakthrough in cancer treatment is the latest example of how the NHS can lead the way in the new era of personalised cancer care.

“The benefits for patients, in particular children, of being able to treat many different types of cancers with one drug is potentially huge.”

The announcement follows the fast-track introduction of CAR-T therapy in September last year, which involves programme immune system cells to target a patient’s cancer.

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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