New Drug to Provide Hope and Extra Time
A new drug, Dostarlimab, also known as Jemperli, is set to be available on the NHS for women with advanced or recurring womb cancer. This move is expected to benefit hundreds of patients each year.
How Dostarlimab Works
Dostarlimab is an immunotherapy that works by attracting specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells to help the immune system attack them. Evidence suggests that when used alongside chemotherapy, the drug can extend life expectancy for patients.
Impact of the Drug
According to NICE, Dostarlimab is recommended for specific subtypes of womb cancer where the disease is advanced or has recurred following previous treatment. Clinical trials showed that 64% of patients using Dostarlimab alongside chemotherapy did not see their cancer progress after 12 months, compared to 24% with chemotherapy alone. However, long-term benefits are still uncertain.
Positive Patient Testimonials
Patients like Sue Woodburn, who has been using Dostarlimab, have reported a significant improvement in their quality of life. Sue mentioned that the treatment allowed her to live without the brutal side effects of traditional cancer therapies, enabling her to plan for the future and engage in activities she thought she wouldn't be able to.
Hope for the Future
Dr. Chloe Barr from the charity Peaches Womb Cancer Trust expressed optimism about the availability of Dostarlimab, calling it a "wonder drug." She hopes that this is just the beginning of more effective treatment options becoming accessible to those affected by womb cancer.
