NHS lung cancer patients in England are set to be the first in Europe to receive Sotorasib, a groundbreaking new drug that targets the KRAS G12C mutation, often referred to as the 'Death Star' mutation due to its spherical appearance and resistance to treatment. This mutation is present in a quarter of all tumours. Sotorasib, which comes in tablet form, works by binding to the mutation and rendering it inactive, thereby stopping cell division and cancer growth.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that Sotorasib can halt the progression of lung cancer for seven months, offering hope to patients with this aggressive form of the disease. The NHS has fast-tracked the drug's availability, with an early-access deal enabling around 600 patients a year to start treatment in the coming weeks.
This development is the result of a 40-year search for a treatment targeting the KRAS mutation and represents a major advancement in the fight against some of the world's deadliest cancers, including pancreatic and colorectal cancers. The NHS's agreement with the manufacturer, Amgen, ensures that eligible lung cancer patients in England will have access to Sotorasib on a budget-neutral basis while the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) completes its appraisal.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, emphasized the NHS's commitment to providing world-class treatments and urged anyone with cancer symptoms to seek care. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS Clinical Director for Cancer, highlighted the importance of molecular testing and the NHS's genomics programme in selecting the best treatment options for patients.
Sotorasib's approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and its availability through the NHS underscore the health service's dedication to saving lives through innovative treatments. This initiative is part of the NHS's broader efforts to ensure that cancer services remain a priority, even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
