'Game changer' take home blood cancer drug to be offered by NHS England
Hundreds of blood cancer patients in England will now have access to a groundbreaking drug, zanubrutinib, which allows for treatment at home. This marks the first time a 'take-at-home' tablet has been approved for blood cancer patients, specifically those with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) who have not responded well to previous treatments. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended the use of zanubrutinib on the NHS starting from 1 August.
Clinical trials have shown that up to 80% of patients' cancers responded to treatment with zanubrutinib. Approximately 470 patients are expected to benefit from this drug over the next three years. The drug is taken twice a day at home, offering a significant advantage by potentially avoiding the side effects associated with intravenous chemotherapy.
Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, highlighted the importance of this development, stating that zanubrutinib represents a significant step forward for patients whose disease has progressed despite other treatments. He emphasized the drug's role in improving the quality of life for cancer patients, allowing them to live more 'normal' lives free from the harsh side effects of chemotherapy.
Marginal zone lymphoma affects around 2,600 people in the UK each year, often diagnosed at a more advanced stage. Zanubrutinib, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi), works by inhibiting an enzyme crucial for the survival and proliferation of B cells, including cancerous ones. This action prevents the activation of signaling pathways that promote cancer cell growth and division, leading to the death of cancer cells and potentially slowing the progression of the disease.
Frank Burrows, a 66-year-old from North Somerset diagnosed with marginal zone lymphoma six years ago, shared his perspective on the new treatment option. He expressed his delight at the availability of zanubrutinib on the NHS, describing it as a game-changer for people facing this cancer. Burrows recounted his experiences with chemotherapy, noting its limitations and the strain it places on the immune system, highlighting the significance of having a new treatment option like zanubrutinib.