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NHS’ COVID-19 Friendly Treatments Initiative Allows “Swaps” to More Convenient, Less Risky Cancer Treatment

Region: EUROPE | Type: Policy | Keywords: #agreement #covid19 #nhs #oncology


PRICENTRIC BRIEF:
  • The NHS has received £160 million in funding for “COVID-19” friendly cancer treatments that do not have a big impact on patients’ immune systems or offer other benefits such as fewer hospital visits, said NHS Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens
  • Thus far, thousands of patients have benefited from almost 50 treatments approved for use as “swaps” for existing drugs, and more will be available this week following a deal agreed between the NHS and pharmaceutical companies
  • Some treatment options now available include: AbbVie’s Venclyxto (venetoclax) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as an oral alternative to more toxic standard chemotherapy; Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo (nivolumab) for patients with bowel cancer whose cancers have a specific genetic fingerprint; Takeda’s Ninlaro (ixazomib) in myeloma as an oral alternative to treatment which would require more hospital visits and injections; Roche’s Tecentriq (atezolizumab) as first-line immunotherapy for bladder cancer instead of chemotherapy; Astellas’ Xtandi (enzalutamide) for prostate cancer; and Celgene’s Revlimid (lenalidomide) for myeloma

THE DETAILS

LONDON, United Kingdom – The NHS has received £160 million in funding for “COVID-19” friendly cancer treatments that do not have a big impact on patients’ immune systems or offer other benefits such as fewer hospital visits, said NHS Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens.

Thus far, thousands of patients have benefited from almost 50 treatments approved for use as “swaps” for existing drugs, and more will be available this week following a deal agreed between the NHS and pharmaceutical companies.

Some treatment options now available include AbbVie’s Venclyxto (venetoclax) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as an oral alternative to more toxic standard chemotherapy; Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo (nivolumab) for patients with bowel cancer whose cancers have a specific genetic fingerprint; Takeda’s Ninlaro (ixazomib) in myeloma as an oral alternative to treatment which would require more hospital visits and injections; Roche’s Tecentriq (atezolizumab) as first-line immunotherapy for bladder cancer instead of chemotherapy; Astellas’ Xtandi (enzalutamide) for prostate cancer; and Celgene’s Revlimid (lenalidomide) for myeloma.

These new treatment options mean patients can either take tablets or home or receive medicines with fewer side effects instead of undergoing in-hospital treatment that can put them at risk of contracting COVID-19 or other infections.

NHS chief executive Simon Stevens said, “Since the first case of COVID in England six months ago, NHS staff have fast-tracked new, innovative ways of working so that other services, including A&E, cancer and maternity could continue safely for patients and it is thanks to these incredible efforts that 65,000 people could start treatment for cancer during the pandemic.

“We are now adopting new, kinder treatment options which are not only effective but safer for use during the COVID-19 pandemic and more convenient for thousands of patients, who can take medication at home or be given medicines with less harmful effects on their immune system.”

Other representatives from cancer support groups weighed in applauding the deal NHS struck with pharmaceutical companies. Through this, patients will be sparred from receiving their treatment in risky settings, and cancer groups hope this approach will allow for expedited decision making in the future.

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