Hundreds of women with advanced womb cancer in England are to be offered a new ‘lifeline’ option from today, as the NHS rolls out a life-extending new combination therapy that can halt the progression of the disease for twice as long as chemotherapy.
The NHS has agreed landmark commercial deals for two drugs from different manufacturers, which will be used in combination to treat advanced endometrial cancer in between 500 and 750 women each year.
Clinical trials have shown that pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) and lenvatinib (Lenvima®) used together can double the time taken for cancer to progress compared with the existing chemotherapy treatment, from just over three and half months to more than seven months.
In the trial, overall survival was also significantly longer for patients taking the combination therapy compared to existing chemotherapy treatments, with those taking pembrolizumab and lenvatinib living on average almost 19 months compared just under 12 months on existing chemotherapy.
Set for approval today by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), lenvatinib and pembrolizumab have been shown to work together to stimulate the body’s immune system and kill off cancer cell growth. The combination treatment is being funded by the NHS immediately and will be offered to all eligible women who have previously received treatment for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.
As part of the combination treatment, pembrolizumab is delivered intravenously every three or six weeks while lenvatinib is two pills taken once a day. Currently patients undergo chemotherapy treatment every three weeks, but unlike with chemotherapy, there is a far less significant risk of hair loss as a side effect of the new combination treatment.
Around 9,400 women are diagnosed with cancer in the womb every year, making it the fourth most common cancer in UK women. Endometrial carcinoma is the most common type of womb cancer, and while it often has a better prognosis than other womb cancers if diagnosed early, advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma can be challenging to treat with short survival times.
While the treatment was initially rejected in draft guidance by NICE on the grounds of cost-effectiveness, the NHS has been able to use its commercial capabilities to negotiate a deal with the manufacturers, allowing the treatment to be made available to patients.
NHS national cancer director Professor Peter Johnson said: “It is fantastic news that this innovative combination therapy can now offer a new lifeline to hundreds of women living with advanced endometrial cancer, giving hope of precious extra time to live with a better quality of life.”
“Now in its 75th year, the NHS is leading the world in making the latest treatments available through its unique commercial capabilities and commitment to innovation on behalf of patients and their families across the country.”
Minister for Health Helen Whately said: “We are working with the NHS and world leading scientists to support new cancer treatments like these – improving the lives of hundreds of women diagnosed with womb cancer.
“Cancer survival rates are improving and record numbers of people are receiving treatment.
“But we know there’s more to do. That’s why today we announced our call for evidence to inform our Major Conditions Strategy – a plan to better diagnose and manage six conditions including cancer.”
