Cancer drug accepted for use on NHS

A treatment for a rare type of cancer has been accepted for use on the NHS in Scotland.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted Zanubrutinib, also known as Brukinsa, for the treatment of adult patients with marginal zone lymphoma who have already received a previous treatment.

Marginal zone lymphoma is a rare type of cancer of the white blood cells.

The SMC has also accepted Vibegron, also known as Obgemsa, to treat adults with overactive bladder syndrome.

SMC chairman Dr Scott Muir said: “The committee is pleased to be able to accept two new medicines for use by NHS Scotland.

“Zanubrutinib offers a targeted treatment option that can be taken at home for patients with marginal zone lymphoma who have already received one line of treatment.

“Vibegron offers an additional oral treatment choice to treat the symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome.”

However, the SMC did not accept Durvalumab, also known as Imfinzi, to treat adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer that can be removed by surgery but has a high risk of recurrence.

And Levodopa/Carbidopa/Entacapone, known also as Lecigon, was not accepted to treat adults with advanced Parkinson’s disease.

Dr Muir said: “The committee was not able to accept Durvalumab for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in this setting, due to the uncertainties in the evidence presented when compared to current treatments.

“It was also unable to accept Levodopa/Carbidopa/Entacapone for the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease.

“The company’s evidence around the clinical and cost effectiveness of the treatment compared to currently available options was not sufficient.”