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Beating bowel cancer together

New treatment approved for advanced bowel cancer patients in Scotland

Monday 9 October 2023

A new treatment for bowel cancer, which can slow the progression of the disease and improve overall survival for patients with advanced bowel cancer, has been approved by the SMC (Scottish Medicines Consortium) for patients in Scotland.

The new treatment, regorafenib (also known as Stivarga) has been shown in trials to slow down the growth and spread of cancer cells and cut off the blood supply that keeps cancer growing. It'll be available on the NHS in Scotland for adults with advanced bowel cancer – also known as stage 4 or metastatic bowel cancer – who've been previously treated with, or are not considered suitable for other NHS treatment.

The drug is now available in all four nations, with England, Wales and Northern Ireland making it available to patients at the beginning of the year following approval by NICE.

Gerard McMahon, Head of Policy & Influencing (Devolved Nations) for Bowel Cancer UK said: "The decision by the SMC to make regorafenib available through NHS Scotland will bring hope to advanced bowel cancer patients in the country. This treatment has the potential to improve quality of life and even prolong the lives of Scottish people living with stage 4 bowel cancer.

"Advanced bowel cancer is a devastating disease that affects all aspect of daily life. Sadly, treatment options for people diagnosed with late stage disease are limited, so it's wonderful to have a new drug available which could offer hope when other treatment avenues have been exhausted, giving people the chance of more time with family and loved ones.

"It's so important that patients have access to the full range of treatment that is right for them. We're proud that our community were able to contribute to the process by sharing their experiences of receiving treatment for advanced bowel cancer."

An image of a selection of pills in front of an orane pill bottle on its side. All on a blue table.

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