THOUSANDS of women with advanced breast cancer can access two new “life-changing” drugs on the NHS.
Charities said the approvals were a “momentous milestone” for patients living with incurable tumours.
Patients given Trodelvy, also known as sacituzumab govitecan survived almost half a year longer
Both drugs have been proven to give women – many in their 30s, 40s and 50s – extra precious months with their loved ones.
Trials show patients given Trodelvy, also known as sacituzumab govitecan, survived almost half a year longer.
It works by slowing tumour growth in those with triple negative breast cancer, which is the deadliest form of the disease and more common in younger women.
Campaigners hailed the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s decision to approve the drug as a “landmark” day, after originally rejecting it over costs.
Around 650 women a year are expected to benefit.
The watchdog has also green-lighted the use of a second therapy, alpelisib, for routine use on the NHS.
Also known as Piqray, trials have shown it can give patients an extra eight months.
Breast cancer patients will have their tumours gene tested, and those with a specific mutation called PIK3CA will be offered the drug, around 2,800 women a year.
Baroness Delyth Morgan, Chief Executive at Breast Cancer Now, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic news that following a provisional rejection in March, alpelisib with fulvestrant has now been recommended for routine use on the NHS, bringing hope to thousands of patients.
“Today also marks the long-awaited approval of life-extending drug, Trodelvy, for certain women living with incurable triple negative secondary breast cancer.
“This landmark decision will offer a new, effective treatment for these women, and crucially give them the hope of invaluable extra months to live and do what matters most to them and their loved ones.”
Piqray is the 100th cancer treatment being fast-tracked to patients under the NHS Cancer Drugs Fund.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay said: “These new drugs will benefit thousands of cancer patients across the country, offering them more precious moments with their loved ones and a better quality of life.”
Just last month a new pill was approved to cut the chance of illness coming back once a tumour has been removed.
The new twice-a-day pill, abemaciclib, made by Eli Lilly is set to be given to over 4,000 women on the health service.
Medics said it’s suitable for women who are at high risk of recurrence and have had surgery.
These women have hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, node-positive early breast cancer.
It’s the most common type of the disease, accounting for around 70 per cent of all cases.
In early breast cancers, it’s estimated that it comes back after initial treatment in around 30 per cent of people.
