NICE has approved pembrolizumab with chemotherapy for advanced endometrial cancer, cutting death risk by 26% and it is now available on the NHS
NICE has approved a groundbreaking new treatment for advanced endometrial cancer, marking a significant shift in how the disease may be managed on the NHS. For the first time, patients will have access to an innovative combination therapy that offers new hope where options were once limited. This decision could change outcomes for thousands, offering a ray of hope in the fight against cancer and signalling a bold step forward in cancer care.
A UK-first combination therapy for endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in the UK, with around 9,700 people diagnosed every year. Advanced endometrial cancer impacts life expectancy and quality of life, and only 15% of people diagnosed with stage 4 disease survive for five years or more.
This approval marks the first time immunotherapy has been combined with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced endometrial cancer.
The treatment combines pembrolizumab, made by Merck Sharp & Dohme, with chemotherapy drugs carboplatin and paclitaxel. Pembrolizumab helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, while chemotherapy damages these cells to stop them from growing and dividing. This combination approach leverages both the body’s immune system and conventional chemotherapy, resulting in better outcomes for individuals facing cancer.
Reduces death by 26%
Clinical trials have revealed that adding pembrolizumab to chemotherapy reduces the risk of death by 26% compared with chemotherapy alone. Trials also showed that adding the immunotherapy to chemotherapy can slow down cancer progression, offering people valuable additional time with improved quality of life.
Treatment is used for up to two years, or is stopped earlier if the cancer progresses or side effects worsen, allowing for personalised care based on patient response.
“For people with advanced endometrial cancer, this innovative combination offers a powerful new treatment option. It marks a major step forward, and we’re pleased to recommend it as part of our commitment to getting the best care to people, fast, while ensuring value for the taxpayer,” said Helen Knight, Director of Medicines Evaluation at NICE.
Dr Eleanor Jones, Chair of Trustees at Peaches Womb Cancer Trust, said: “We hope that this is just the first step towards wider availability of more effective first-line treatment options for everyone affected by womb cancer.”
“This additional treatment for primary advanced and recurrent mismatch repair proficient and deficient endometrial cancer will provide much-needed options for patients currently facing the reality of limited cancer treatments. Access to this innovative first-line treatment fills a significant unmet need.”
“Peaches Womb Cancer Trust has welcomed the opportunity to contribute to appraisals of pembrolizumab in both Scotland and England. We could not have done so without the contributions of Peaches Patient Voices, a group of people affected by womb cancer whose powerful testimonies and experiences informed our submissions.”
The treatment will be available immediately through the Cancer Drugs Fund, following a commercial arrangement between Merck Sharp & Dohme and the NHS that ensures cost-effectiveness while providing rapid access to this breakthrough therapy for eligible patients. This immediate availability brings hope to those in need of this treatment, signalling a new era in cancer care.
