Women in England with incurable breast cancer to get life-extending drug on NHS
Summary
Women in England with a specific type of incurable breast cancer called HER2-low advanced breast cancer will now get access to a drug called Enhertu through the NHS. This decision comes after successful price negotiations and shows that the drug can help patients live longer than with traditional chemotherapy.Key Facts
- About 1,000 women with HER2-low advanced breast cancer in England will be able to get Enhertu each year.
- Enhertu nearly doubles the time during which the cancer does not get worse, from 5.1 to 9.9 months.
- Patients using Enhertu lived an average of 23.4 months, compared to 16.8 months for those on other treatments.
- The NHS's advisory body, NICE, had earlier rejected the drug due to its high cost but reversed the decision after new price deals.
- This decision follows two years of efforts by cancer charities, experts, and patients to make the drug available.
- Enhertu has been available in Scotland since December 2023 and in 27 other European countries.
- Changes in NHS spending rules allowed up to £35,000 a year per patient for treatment, enabling this deal.
- Wales and Northern Ireland are likely to offer Enhertu following England’s decision.
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