Authorities have announced that people with a rare form of eye cancer will have access to a “pioneering” NHS drug which could improve their chances of survival.
Uveal melanoma, which develops from cells in the middle layer of the eye known as the uvea, is estimated to affect between 500 and 600 people in the UK each year.
Tebentafusp, sold under the brand name Kimmtrak, is the first treatment of its kind and more than 100 people are expected to be eligible.
The National Institute of Excellence in Health and Care (Nice) has recommended tebentafusp for patients whose uveal melanoma cannot be surgically removed or has spread to other parts of the body.
The condition is estimated to affect between 500 and 600 people in the UK each year.
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The treatment works by attaching to proteins on the surface of cancer cells and T cells, a type of white blood cell. This helps the immune system recognize and kill cancer cells, slowing the growth of the disease.
NHS England reports that trials have shown the chance of survival three years after starting tebentafusp is 27 percent, compared to 18 percent with the current standard treatment.
Current treatment uses checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy that treats cancer by blocking proteins that can prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells.
Overall survival on tebentafusp was also 21.6 months compared to 16.9 months.
Joanne Foster, 57, from Newcastle, benefited from the treatment
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Joanne Foster, 57, from Newcastle, who was diagnosed with uveal melanoma in 2013, benefited from the new treatment.
He was first offered tebentafusp last year through a compassionate access program after the cancer spread to his lungs and kidneys.
She said: “Living with uveal melanoma is both physically and mentally exhausting – I had one eye removed and have been under treatment for over a decade, the uncertainty of not knowing what lies ahead being incredibly difficult, especially without any treatment available. until now.
“The news that tebentafusp is now available to hundreds of current and future NHS patients, just like me, is the best Christmas present I could have asked for.
NHS national clinical director for cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, told the Independent: “This type of melanoma is difficult to treat once it has spread throughout the body, so it’s great news that The NHS can now offer this pioneering treatment, giving people an option that can extend their lives and give them valuable extra time with family and friends.
Managing Director and Founder of Ocular Melanoma UK Jo Gumbs called the announcement “simply incredible”.
She added: “For too long, metastatic uveal melanoma has been a devastating cancer. We therefore look forward to many more improvements in the future so that every patient has access to the treatments they need. »