The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK, has issued an Appraisal Consultation Document (ACD) recommending that Afinitor (everolimus), a Novartis’ life extending advanced breast cancer treatment should not be available to patients on the National Health Service (NHS).
Everolimus is the sixth treatment that NICE has turned down for patients with advanced breast cancer since 20 November 2006.
Everolimus is the first new licensed therapeutic drug in fifteen years offering significant affect on hormone responsive advanced breast cancer, which affects over 30,000 women in the UK.
The drug is approved for treatments in postmenopausal women with oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer, in combination with exemestane, that has recurred or progressed following treatment with a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor.
The most common form of advanced breast cancer is the oestrogen receptor-positive type, which reports for approximately 75% of all breast cancers.
Novartis UK & Ireland oncology medical director Ibrahim ElHoussieny said the firm is disappointed with the NICE's decision , but it works to provide as much information as it can to demonstrate the value of everolimus to patients and the NHS.
"Our aim is to ensure that patients with this type of advanced breast cancer receive the greatest possible benefits from this breakthrough treatment," ElHoussieny added.
