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A life-extending injection for multiple myeloma – an incurable cancer of the bone marrow cells – has been approved for use by NICE.
The drug (daratumumab), which works by attaching to a protein on the cancer’s cells, signifying to the immune system to kill it, will be available to around 350 patients per year in England, the NHS chief executive has announced.
The injection takes just five minutes to administer and can extend the lives of patients by any average of nine months; the NHS therefore hope that it will give patients a greater chance of accessing further treatments that may help them live even longer, healthier lives.
As Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of the NHS explains: “This quick injection can have a real impact on the lives of patients and their families, and so it is important news that it is now routinely available on the NHS.”
Multiple myeloma affects around 5,000 people in the UK every year
Multiple myeloma is a debilitating cancer that affects the bone marrow in several areas of the body, including the spine, skull, pelvis and ribs, causing sufferers to have weak and painful bones, unusual bleeding, fatigue and weight loss, as well as weakening their immune system, leading to recurrent infections.
It affected around 5,000 people in the UK each year, more frequently people aged 60 and over, and it is twice as likely to be developed by Black or African ethnicities than White or Asian groups.
Myeloma cannot be cured and treatment is usually about keeping the cancer at bay for as long as possible with the least side-effects from treatment.
Ms Pritchard says the drug will therefore offer “a ray of light” to people who have had limited success with other treatments for this form of cancer.
The treatment reduces time spent in hospital
While the treatment is initially given to patients on a weekly basis, after the first two months it becomes fortnightly, and then monthly after half a year.
Jimmie Archer, 72 from Luton who has been treated for myeloma since 2011, said the treatment has significantly reduced the time he has to spend at hospital.
He added that he has “responded really well” and said his levels are now “too low to quantify.”
“It is a lot easier with this treatment. Thank god I responded. I feel a lot better now. It is the best drug I have had so far,” he said.