New medicines approved to treat prostate and liver cancers in Scotland

Two new medicines have been approved to help treat prostate and liver cancer patients in Scotland.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) announced it had recommended two treatments for the diseases.

Talazoparib (known under the brand name Talzenna), used together with enzalutamide, was accepted for the treatment of adults with prostate cancer.

Cabozantinib (also known under the brand name Cabozantinib Ipsen) was also accepted for the treatment of adults with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer.

The committee is pleased to be able to accept two new medicines for use by NHS Scotland

The SMC said it would only be available to those who had already received a previous treatment.

The body said it had rejected two other medicines, including ripretinib (known under the brand name Qinlock) for adults with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours (Gist), a rare type of cancer of the digestive system.

Spesolimab (also known as Spevigo) was rejected as a treatment for flare-ups of generalised pustular psoriasis, a rare, severe inflammatory skin condition.

SMC chair Dr Scott Muir said: “The committee is pleased to be able to accept two new medicines for use by NHS Scotland.

“Talazoparib and cabozantanib offer additional oral treatment options for prostate cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma respectively.

“The committee was not able to accept ripretinib for treating patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours as there was uncertainty around cost-effectiveness in relation to health benefits.

“We would welcome a resubmission from the company addressing the uncertainties we have raised.

“The committee was also unable to accept spesolimab for the treatment of flare-ups of generalised pustular psoriasis due to uncertainties in the evidence when compared to current treatments.

“We would welcome a resubmission from the company addressing the issues we have raised.”

Oliver Kemp, chief executive of Prostate Cancer Research, said: “We are delighted by the SMC’s positive decision to approve the combination of talazoparib and enzalutamide for use within NHS Scotland in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) for whom chemotherapy is not clinically indicated.

“This approval marks an important step forward in giving patients more options – especially those who cannot or do not want to undergo chemotherapy.

“For men living with advanced prostate cancer, having access to an effective, targeted treatment like this could better fit their individual needs.

“We know that every patient’s journey is different, and this decision helps ensure that men with mCRPC have more choices in how their disease is managed.”

Colm Doody, oncology medical director at Pfizer UK, added: “As an organisation focused on delivering therapies for some of the world’s most common cancers, we are really pleased that the SMC has accepted talazoparib for use within NHS Scotland.

“Considering the number of people diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is essential that patients continue to gain timely access to new treatments to help manage the disease, including those in the later stages of the condition.”

The decision not to approve Ripretinib was criticised by cancer charity Sarcoma UK, which said the news was “devastating” for people with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs).

Chief executive Richard Davidson said: “This decision is devastating for GIST patients in Scotland who have limited treatment options after progressing through the three currently approved therapies.

“After exhausting existing treatments, these patients may have on average just weeks to live. Ripretinib offered real hope for extended survival with fewer side effects.

“When the evidence shows a treatment can provide both extended survival and improved quality of life for patients with a rare cancer like GIST, we need approval systems that recognise this value.

“Our National Sarcoma Survey found that 95% of GIST patients reported that their diagnosis and treatment negatively affected their mental health and emotional wellbeing. A fourth-line treatment option would provide not just physical benefits but crucial psychological support in knowing further options exist.”