NICE reverses previous stance to recommend Roche’s Tecentriq in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer
pharmafile | May 27, 2020 | News story | Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | NICE, Roche, lung cancer, tecentriq
NHS patients with treatment-naïve extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) in England and Wales will soon have access to a new treatment option as NICE reveals it has authorised Roche’s Tecentriq (atezolizumab) in this indication.
The therapy has been recommended in combination with carboplatin and etoposide chemotherapy. Around 1,200 patients are expected to benefit from the decision, of the estimated 2,400 with ES-SCLC) in England and Wales.
The move marks a reversal of the institute’s previous draft guidance rejecting the medication in this indication, and was facilitated through a new agreement on its price which would make Tecentriq a cost-effective use of NHS resources. The drug’s list price is £32,798.
Data supporting the decision showed that Tecentriq in combination with chemotherapy improved progression-free survival by 5.2 months compared to 4.3 months with chemo alone, as well as improved overall survival benefit. Long-term benefits of the combination are still to be determined.
“We are pleased to be able to recommend this new treatment that could extend the life of patients with this type of lung cancer,” commented Meindert Boysen, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation at NICE. “I know how important this news will be for patients suffering with this condition, for which there are currently few treatment options. Atezolizumab with carboplatin and etoposide may offer valuable time for patients to spend with their loved ones.”
Gemma Boni, Roche’s Head of Lung Cancer, also remarked on the decision: “Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer is an aggressive and unforgiving disease and there has been a requirement to bring new treatment options to these patients. This is the first advance in systemic treatment in decades and we are proud to have collaborated with the clinical community and NICE to ensure patients can benefit from this medicine.”
Final guidance from NICE in this indication is expected in June 2020.
Matt Fellows
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