The Prostate Cancer Charity comments on new draft guidance
issued by NICE today (30 September) that it is not recommending the
use of cabazitaxel as a treatment for men with advanced prostate
cancer.
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity,
explains: "Cabazitaxel is an important treatment, only recently
licenced for use here in the UK, which can help to extend the lives
of men in the final stages of prostate cancer for whom existing
treatments have stopped working. These men currently have very few
treatment options open to them when their cancer reaches this
advanced stage. Increasing the number of treatments that may
extend the lives of these men and allow them to spend precious time
with their families is essential.
"We believe that every man with prostate cancer must be able to
access any licenced treatment for the disease, if their doctor
believes it will be beneficial. It is disappointing to see that
NICE does not believe that cabazitaxel is a treatment it can
recommend at this stage.
"It is important to remember that this announcement is not
final, and that the appraisal process is still ongoing. We hope
that further data on the difference this drug can make to the
quality of life for men with advanced prostate cancer will help to
strengthen the case for NICE to recommend that it be made available
to men across England and Wales on the NHS. We hope that the drug's
manufacturer are able to supply this information so that NICE can
consider this new data as soon as it ready.
"In the meantime, any man wishing to gain access to this new
treatment should speak to their doctor to find out whether it could
be suitable for them, and how they may be able to access the drug
locally."