A drug that could extend life expectancy for women with womb cancer and allow them more time with their families before the disease progresses was rolled out by NHS England this week.
Dostarlimab, sold under the brand name Jemperli, is an immunotherapy that works by attracting specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells to help the immune system attack them.
Evidence suggests the drug extends life expectancy when used alongside chemotherapy, reports The Independent.
At least 200 patients are expected to be eligible for the treatment each year.
Professor Peter Clark, NHS England’s Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) lead, said: “The roll-out of this drug as a first-line treatment on the NHS is great news for patients living with this type of womb cancer and could offer hundreds of women the hope of precious extra time before their cancer progresses.”
There are two main types of womb cancer – endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma – with about 9 000 new cases every year in the UK.
The most common type is endometrial cancer, with about 23% of cases involving cells with a high number of mutations.
Jemperli is recommended for these subtypes where the cancer is advanced or has returned after previous treatment.
A total 64% of patients using Jemperli and chemotherapy in clinical trials did not see their cancer progress after 12 months of treatment. The figure was more than twice the rate seen with chemotherapy alone (24%).
However, NICE (National Institute for Health & Care Excellence) said as data was only collected over a short period, long-term benefits of the drug are uncertain.
It will therefore be available on the NHS through the CDF while further studies are conducted.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: “Advanced or recurrent womb cancer has a devastating effect on quality of life and limited treatment options are available.
“We are focused on delivering what matters most and getting care to those who need it fast, so I am delighted this treatment option will be made available through the CDF, enabling people with this type of cancer to enjoy more time with their families.”
Jemperli is administered using via a 30-minute drip every three weeks, alongside chemotherapy for six cycles.
Patients with cancers that have responded to the drug can have it every six weeks for up to three years.
The Independent article – Womb cancer breakthrough as new drug gives hope (Open access)
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