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Hope for Bile Duct Cancer Patients: New Treatment Under Review
6 Mar
Summary
- A new cancer drug, zanidatamab, offers hope for bile duct cancer patients.
- The family of Huw Jones is advocating for its approval after his passing.
- The NHS watchdog, Nice, is reassessing the drug's efficacy and cost.
The family of Huw Jones, who passed away in February from aggressive bile duct cancer, is campaigning for the approval of zanidatamab, a new treatment that offers hope for a normal life. Mr. Jones, diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma in 2024, began a clinical trial of zanidatamab in January 2025, the same month his son Idris was born. His family believes the drug allowed them a precious year together.
Fellow patient Gareth Honeybone, an NHS surgeon diagnosed at 27, also experienced remarkable results with zanidatamab through a clinical trial starting January 2025. His tumor became invisible, allowing him to return to full-time work and live a normal life. He expressed concern that without approval, inequalities in cholangiocarcinoma care will persist, benefiting only those with access to trials or private healthcare.
Clinical trial data indicate zanidatamab can significantly extend survival, with an average of 18.1 months compared to 6.2 months for current treatments. The drug activates the immune system to target cancer cells with high HER2 protein levels. While Nice's initial draft guidance rejected widespread use, a review in March will consider further evidence amid pressure from patient advocacy groups like AMMF and patients themselves.
