A 30-minute treatment, the first of its kind for advanced womb cancer, is being rolled out across England today.
Addenbrooke’s oncology consultant Dr Joo Ern Ang who, as an expert in endometrial cancer therapeutics and recognised key opinion leader (KOL), was asked for his comments on the approval.
Dostarlimab, which follows a trial called GARNET, works by blocking a specific protein on the surface of immune cells, helping the immune system to detect and attack cancer cells.
It will give eligible patients with this specific form of cancer, who would otherwise deteriorate, a greater chance of survival.
An estimated 170 women a year in the UK with advanced and often incurable endometrial cancer may be eligible for dostarlimab, after the NHS agreed early access to the treatment through the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF).
The deal allows patients access to the new treatment while further data is collected on its clinical and cost effectiveness.
This will be used to support the National Institute of Clinical Excellence in making a final recommendation around its routine use in the NHS.
I hope this represents the beginning of wider progress in the treatment and care of women with endometrial cancer.
Dr Joo Ern Ang
Dr Ang added:
"Prognosis is generally limited for patients with advanced endometrial cancer following standard chemotherapy treatment and this has historically been an area of unmet clinical need with few treatment options."
The immunotherapy treatment, which is administered over 30 minutes through the blood stream at fixed intervals, offers patients real hope of extending their lives and improving quality of life.
Health and social care secretary, Sajid Javid, said:
Our NHS continues to roll out the most innovative treatments from around the world to benefit patients, and this new treatment for endometrial cancer – the first of its kind – will offer hope to hundreds of women.
Sajid Javid
Listing picture 'Couple clasping hands' courtesy of National Cancer Institute on Unsplash.