Scotland Rejects NHS Approval for Breast Cancer Treatment Already Approved in England

Strategic Insights -

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has declined to recommend capivasertib, also known as Truqap, for use in combination with fulvestrant in adults with a specific type of advanced breast cancer, citing insufficient evidence regarding its cost-effectiveness compared to existing treatments. This decision comes just six months after the NHS in England approved the same treatment for women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has progressed. The rejection has been met with criticism from advocates who argue that patients in Scotland are being denied the hope of more precious time.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Scottish Medicines Consortium has rejected capivasertib (Truqap) for use in combination with fulvestrant in treating a specific type of advanced breast cancer.
  • The decision was made due to insufficient evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of the treatment compared to existing options.
  • Capivasertib was approved in England six months prior to the Scottish decision.
  • The NHS in England views capivasertib as an additional option for patients whose breast cancer has progressed.
  • The Breast Cancer Now charity has criticized the decision, describing it as "deeply unfair" for patients in Scotland to be denied access to the treatment.
  • Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, had praised the treatment in April.
  • SMC chair Dr Scott Muir invites the company to resubmit addressing the issues the SMC had raised.

Statistics:

  • The decision was made on secondary breast cancer awareness day.
  • The Scottish Medicines Consortium was unable to approve capivasertib due to concerns over cost-effectiveness.
  • Women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in Scotland will not have access to capivasertib as a treatment option.

Sources:

  • The Scottish Medicines Consortium
  • NHS England
  • Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England
  • Dr Scott Muir, chair of the Scottish Medicines Consortium
  • Claire Rowney, CEO at the Breast Cancer Now charity