Dr Carole Longson
GSK’s oral cancer treatment Hycamtin (topotecan) has received its second NICE recommendation this month.
Final NICE guidance has been published supporting the drug in combination with cisplatin as a treatment option for women with recurrent or stage IVB cervical cancer who have not previously received cisplatin.
This is in addition to Hycamtin’s recommendation for relapsed small-cell lung cancer earlier this month.
Topotecan prevents DNA replication in cancer cells by inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase I, which helps to separate and repair the DNA in cells when they divide.
Dr Carole Longson, Health Technology Evaluation Centre Director, said: “The independent Appraisal Committee considered all available evidence on the effectiveness of topotecan as a treatment for women with cervical cancer. They also heard evidence from patients who highlighted the importance of having a number of treatment options because one may be more suitable than others for the individual patient.
“The committee concluded that – for women with recurrent cervical cancer and those with stage IVB cervical cancer, where cancerous cells have spread to distant organs, such as the lungs, and who have not previously received cisplatin – the cost of topotecan in relation to how well it works is an effective use of NHS resources.”
NICE has added that women who have previously received cisplatin and are currently being treated with topotecan in combination with cisplatin should have the option to continue their therapy until it is considered appropriate to stop.