New Treatment Option for Prostate Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights -

Thousands of prostate cancer patients will have access to a new and gentler treatment option, with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) recommending the use of darolutamide, also known as Nubeqa, in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for men with hormone-sensitive advanced prostate cancer. This decision is expected to benefit around 6,000 men with metastatic prostate cancer. A four-year trial has shown that the combination treatment reduces the risk of death by one-third compared to using ADT alone.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nice has recommended darolutamide (Nubeqa) for certain men with hormone-sensitive advanced prostate cancer.
  • Around 6,000 men with metastatic prostate cancer will have access to the new treatment combination.
  • The combination treatment is more effective than using ADT alone and is comparable to other combination treatments.
  • Darolutamide works by blocking hormones that fuel cancer growth and is taken as two tablets twice daily.
  • The treatment will be delivered alongside androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to lower testosterone levels.
  • Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, says this decision provides another welcome treatment option for patients living with advanced and aggressive prostate cancer.
  • The decision gives clinicians and patients more flexibility to choose the approach best suited to individual circumstances and clinical needs.

Statistics:

  • 6,000 men with metastatic prostate cancer will have access to the new treatment combination.
  • A four-year trial found that the combination treatment reduced the risk of death by one-third compared to using ADT alone (33% reduction).
  • Darolutamide is taken as two tablets twice daily.

Sources:

  • The Telegraph (no date mentioned)
  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice)
  • NHS England
  • Bayer (manufacturer of darolutamide, Nubeqa)