Cancer Drug Almost Triples Life Expectancy on NHS

Zanidatamab, a life-extending treatment for advanced bile duct cancer, has received approval for use within the NHS in England and Wales. This development offers renewed hope for patients battling cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer often diagnosed at a late stage when surgery is not an option.

Clinical trials indicate that zanidatamab can significantly increase life expectancy, nearly tripling it for patients compared to current treatments. This is a crucial advancement, as survival rates for this cancer are historically low, with fewer than one in three diagnosed patients in England surviving a year.

The antibody treatment, also known as Ziihera, specifically targets the HER2 protein, which fuels tumor growth. By activating the immune system and reducing HER2 levels, zanidatamab helps combat cancer cells and prevent further proliferation. Data shows patients receiving zanidatamab survived an average of 18.1 months, starkly contrasting with the 6.2 months seen with other second-line treatments.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has recommended zanidatamab for patients with HER2-positive advanced biliary tract cancer who have already undergone at least one prior treatment. This marks the first HER2-targeted drug recommended by Nice for this specific cancer in England. Approximately 65 patients are expected to benefit annually from this treatment, administered intravenously every two weeks.

Patient advocacy played a significant role in this approval. Families of patients like Huw Jones, who passed away earlier this year, actively campaigned for the drug's availability. Mr. Jones, diagnosed at stage 4, experienced precious extra time with his newborn son thanks to his participation in a clinical trial for zanidatamab. Similarly, NHS surgeon Gareth Honeybone, also a patient, has seen his tumor become undetectable after participating in a trial.