Home / Health / NHS Approves New Stomach Cancer Immunotherapy
NHS Approves New Stomach Cancer Immunotherapy
14 May
Summary
- NHS watchdog approves immunotherapy drug durvalumab for stomach cancer.
- An estimated 1,500 patients annually could benefit from this treatment.
- This marks the first major advance in stomach cancer treatment in years.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has approved durvalumab, an immunotherapy drug developed by AstraZeneca, for NHS use. This treatment is for adults diagnosed with aggressive stomach cancer that has not spread extensively and is eligible for surgical removal.
This decision is expected to benefit approximately 1,500 individuals each year. Immunotherapy works by empowering the body's immune system to combat cancer. Clinical trials indicated that combining durvalumab with chemotherapy can extend the progression-free survival period and improve overall survival rates for patients.
Health officials describe this approval as a crucial development, noting the urgent need for effective treatments given the high recurrence rates of stomach cancer post-surgery. Patient advocacy groups have welcomed the news, emphasizing that this immunotherapy represents a significant step forward, offering a real chance for reduced recurrence and enhanced survival, thereby improving the quality of life for those affected.
