A LUNG cancer drug available on the NHS halves the risk of death, a study found.
Scientists say “thrilling” trial results prove osimertinib will boost survival for thousands of British patients.
A study found a lung cancer drug halves the risk of death
Osimertinib, sold under the name Tagrisso, is already available on the NHS to some patients
It works by blocking vital receptors that let cancer cells guzzle energy to grow.
The medicine is already used for some NHS patients after earlier research found it cuts the risk of regrowth.
But a 10-year study now reveals it saves lives, too – with those taking it after surgery for non-small cell lung cancer “significantly” less likely to die.
Dr Nathan Pennell, of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, said: “It is hard to convey how important this finding is and how long it’s taken to get here.
“This shows an unequivocal, highly significant improvement in survival.”
Trial leader Dr Roy Herbst, from Yale University, said he was “thrilled” with the results from 682 patients in 26 countries, including the UK.
He added: “Twenty years ago there was nothing we could do for these patients.”
Lung tumours are the top cause of cancer death in the UK, with 49,000 cases per year.
Osimertinib could give precious extra time to more than 6,000 who have a type of non-small cell cancer with a mutation in the EGFR gene, which is more common in non-smokers.
The gene mutation means the “on switch” that makes a cancer cell grow is stuck on – but the drug can turn it off.
Dr Herbst’s trial found 88 per cent of patients on the medication survived five years or more after their lung surgery, compared to 78 per cent not taking it.
It means their death risk was cut by half – from 22 per cent to 12 per cent.
Angela Terry, chair of the patients’ charity EGFR Positive UK, said: “A five-year survival rate of 88 per cent is incredibly positive news.
“Osimertinib has been a game-changer for our community.”
Drug-maker AstraZeneca is now set to push for it to be used even more widely on the NHS.
Dr Susan Galbraith, executive vice president at the firm, said Britain needs better testing to identify all the patients who could benefit.
The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation last month accused ministers of “dragging their heels” on nationwide lung screening.
An NHS spokesperson said: “This treatment, which halves the risk of this particular type of lung cancer returning, is already in use for people following an operation, thanks to a life-saving drug deal struck by the NHS two years ago.
“The NHS will look at the wider roll out of this drug for patients if it receives approval following this encouraging study.”
