NICE recommends new combination treatment for advanced bowel cancer
Friday 20 November 2020
Today the National Institute for Heath and Care Excellence (NICE) announce their final recommendation for a new treatment combination for people diagnosed with a rare form of bowel cancer. NICE draft guidance initially refused to recommend the treatment due to its cost effectiveness.
The drugs – BRAFTOVI® (encorafenib) in combination with Erbitux® (cetuximab) – will be available within three months on the NHS for adults with a particular form of colorectal cancer, known as BRAFV600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), living in England and Wales.
Researchers found the combination of the two drugs significantly improved the amount of time patients lived after receiving the treatment, with a median overall survival rate (the amount of time patients lived after receiving the treatment) increasing from 5.9 months to 9.3 months compared to other treatments. It also reduced the risk of death by 39%, compared to the control arm of the trial.
In June 2020, the combination took a major step forward when it was approved by the European Commission. However NICE published draft guidance in September not recommending the combination of drugs because of its cost effectiveness, but after reviewing feedback from the clinical community, charities like us, and patients who have been affected by the decision, they are now recommending the drug to be used on the NHS.
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: "Approximately one in ten people diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer have a BRAFV600E mutation, and their treatment options are currently extremely limited. We worked closely with clinicians to submit evidence to the NICE consultation on the benefits of the combined therapy, and are really pleased that today’s announcement offers new hope to patients."
- Read the new NICE guidance on using encorafenib and cetuximab for advanced bowel cancer patients with BRAFV600E mCRC
- Find out more about our Get Personal campaign, aiming to improve access to treatment and quality of life for those with advanced bowel cancer
- Learn more about advanced bowel cancer
