NICE update: ovarian cancer drug approved for drugs fund

NICE has recommended rucaparib for use within the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) as an option for maintenance treatment of relapsed, platinum-sensitive high grade epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer that has responded to platinum-based chemotherapy in adults, writes Steve Brown.

The drug – recommended in technology appraisal TA611 – will be available at a reduced cost as part of a commercial access agreement between NHS England and Clovis Oncology. It is taken as a tablet, twice daily, and slows the progression of cancer by preventing cancer cells repairing, so slowing down the tumour’s growth.

It is estimated that around 1,350 people per year in England will be eligible for treatment. The decision to recommend is a change from an initial decision, when there were concerns about uncertainties in the evidence and cost.

However, clinical trial evidence shows that rucaparib prevents cancer progression for twice as long as the placebo treatment, although it is not known if this will translate into overall extended life expectancy due to incomplete trial data. The drug has been included in the CDF to allow long-term data to be collected.

NICE has also recently published three other technology appraisals, two of which resulted in recommendations for use.

Pentosam polysulfate sodium for treating bladder pain syndrome (TA610) is expected to have a cost impact of less than £5m a year – £9,000 per 100,000 population.

Meanwhile, Neratinib for extended adjuvant treatment of hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive early stage breast cancer after adjuvant trastuzumab (TA612), which reduces risk of disease recurrence, is expected to lead to savings of £1,800 per year in associated costs.

Two guidelines have also been supported by resource impact reports and templates, which allow users to model the local resource impact: Cannabis-based medicinal products (NG144) and Thyroid disease: assessment and management (NG145).