SMC approves drug for advanced bowel cancer patients

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has announced that they have approved trifluridine/tipiracil (Lonsurf) with bevacizumab (Avastin) for eligible patients living in Scotland. 

SMC’s decision means that the drug will now be available for prescribing on the NHS in Scotland. It will be available to bowel cancer patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of their body and who have already received two previous anti-cancer treatment regimes.  

The decision was made after a process in which the SMC considered advice provided by patient groups, including Bowel Cancer UK, and healthcare professionals on the benefits of the drug to patients.  

The drug is currently being reviewed by NICE, to decide it if will be made available to bowel cancer patients within England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  

Dr Lisa Wilde, Director of Research and External Affairs at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “We welcome the decision by the SMC to make trifluridine/tipiracil, used together with bevacizumab, available to advanced bowel cancer patients through NHS Scotland. This drug combination provides additional treatment options to patients with advanced disease, potentially prolonging their lives and providing people with precious time with their loved ones.  

 “It's so important that patients have access to a range of treatment that is right for them. Those with advanced bowel cancer often face poorer survival rates and can struggle to access drugs that have been shown to be effective.    

“This treatment will bring hope to late-stage bowel cancer patients in Scotland by widening their options and possibly improving quality of life.” 

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