Wed, 29/03/2023 - 11:02
Today, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has announced it has recommended the use of pembrolizumab (Keytruda), within the Cancer Drugs Fund to treat some patients with advanced cervical cancer.
The announcement follows a decision by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) in February which approved it for use in Scotland.
Jo’s has been calling for pembrolizumab to be available across the UK and have been providing the patient voice to NICE as part of their appraisal process, sharing stories of women living with advanced cancer who have benefitted from pembrolizumab or who have been trying to access it.
Samantha Dixon, CEO of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said:
"Today’s announcement that pembrolizumab will be available in England through the Cancer Drugs Fund is fantastic news. Treatments are far too limited for those living with advanced cervical cancer and this provides patients with valuable options, hope and, most importantly, time.
"Cervical cancer affects women of all ages. Many are young. They have families, children, jobs, caring responsibilities. Pembrolizumab can slow the progression of cervical cancer and the impact of this on those who are eligible for the treatment cannot be understated.
"We thank every woman who shared their experience of living with advanced cervical cancer with us. That contribution has helped inform the decision today and provided access to this vital drug."
Ali, who is living with stage 4 cervical cancer, said:
“The news today about pembrolizumab is going to be life changing for so many women across England. I have now been on chemotherapy treatment for recurrent stage four cervical cancer for just over a year which has been tough.
“This news and knowing that there are now more treatment options becoming available, is making me so much more hopeful of a healthier, happier and longer life with my loved ones.”
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For interviews, further comment or case studies, contact: media@jostrust.org.uk or call 07772 290 064 or 07800 825 051.
Notes:
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity, providing information and support to anyone affected, and campaigning for excellence in cervical cancer treatment, care, and prevention. Its national Helpline is free, confidential, and available on 0808 802 8000. www.jostrust.org.uk