The NHS has signed a new commercial deal for a breakthrough targeted therapy for breast cancer and advanced prostate cancer.
Olaparib (Lynparza®) targets cancers with mutations in the BRCA genes, and works by stopping cancer cells from being able to repair their DNA by blocking a molecule called PARP, which causes the cancerous cells to die.
Each year, around 550 patients with advanced prostate cancer, and 300 patients with HER2-negative early breast cancer who are at high risk of the disease returning, will be eligible for the new drug.
Trials have shown that the drug can extend the lives of people with advanced prostate cancer that has spread to another part of the body by an average of six months, from 12 to 18 months.
In BRCA-mutant, HER2-negative early breast cancer (OlympiA), trials have shown that giving the drug after chemotherapy reduced the relative risk of the disease returning within four years by nearly a third.
NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, said: “Olaparib could have a huge impact on patients with a range of cancer types, giving many a better chance of survival while offering those with advanced forms of the disease precious extra months to live.
“Reaching this landmark deal is not only incredible news for patients and their families but is another example of the NHS using its commercial capabilities that is good value for taxpayers and will help us to continue to transform cancer care across the country”.
Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer, said: “This is an important development for hundreds with early breast cancer or advanced prostate cancer that has progressed after other types of treatment, offering both sets of patients a vital new option to treat their cancer.
“The NHS is committed to delivering the best for its patients and this latest deal for a cutting-edge cancer treatment showcases the power of the NHS to agree deals for the latest medicines and treatments at affordable prices for taxpayers”.
