SMC widens access to drug for some advanced bowel cancer patients
Monday 15 January 2024
In a positive step for some advanced bowel cancer patients, the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has widened access to pembrolizumab for eligible patients living in Scotland.
The drug, which can double progression-free survival time for some advanced bowel cancer patients, is now available to eligible Scottish patients who have previously had fluoropyrimidine-based combination therapy.
Pembrolizumab is already available on the NHS to this group of advanced bowel cancer patients living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In September 2021, the SMC approved pembrolizumab (also known as Keytruda®) for use on the NHS as first line treatment for advanced bowel cancer patients with specific genetic changes, known as 'high microsatellite instability or mismatch repair deficiency'.
Gerard McMahon, Head of Policy & Influencing (Devolved Nations), says: “We’re pleased to see that pembrolizumab is now available to many more advanced bowel cancer patients living in Scotland.
“Around 10,000 people in the UK are diagnosed at the latest stage of the disease each year, and often struggle to get access to drugs that have been shown to be effective. Those with advanced bowel cancer typically have poorer survival rates, but access to surgery and drugs can help to extend life.”
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