Written question asked by Sarah Olney (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 7 November 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 November 2023. It was answered by Will Quince (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 November 2023 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Abiraterone

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will review the decision to reject the use of the drug Abiraterone to tackle prostate cancer.

Answer

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body that guides the National Health Service on funding new medicines, based on clinical and cost-effectiveness.. The NHS is legally required to fund medicines recommended by NICE, usually within 3 months of final guidance.

NICE has recommended abiraterone for the treatment of metastatic hormone-relapsed prostate cancer before chemotherapy is indicated and for castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer previously treated with a docetaxel-containing regimen. NHS England funds abiraterone in line with NICE’s recommendations, ensuring access for eligible patients.

Abiraterone is not licensed for the treatment of non-metastatic prostate cancer and has therefore not been appraised by NICE for such use. NHS England is currently considering a clinical policy proposal for abiraterone as a treatment option for potential use in specific cases. The proposal is due to be discussed later this month, with potential stakeholder testing by January 2024, if supported.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 377
Session: 2023-24
Subjects: Abiraterone
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Abiraterone

Secondary information

Librarians' tools