NHS approves new treatment for advanced womb cancer

Hundreds of women with advanced womb cancer in England are to be offered a new “lifeline” option, as the NHS rolls out a new combination therapy that could halt the progression of the disease.

The NHS has agreed landmark commercial deals for two drugs from different manufacturers, which will be used in combination to treat advanced endometrial cancer in between 500 and 750 women each year.

Clinical trials have shown that pembrolizumab and lenvatinib used together can double the time taken for cancer to progress compared with the existing chemotherapy treatment, from just over three and half months to more than seven months.

In the trial, overall survival was also significantly longer for patients taking the combination therapy compared to existing chemotherapy treatments, with those taking pembrolizumab and lenvatinib living on average almost 19 months compared just under 12 months on existing chemotherapy.

Set for approval today by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the combination has been shown to stimulate the body’s immune system and kill off cancer cell growth.

As part of the combination treatment, pembrolizumab is delivered intravenously every three or six weeks while lenvatinib is two pills taken once a day.

Currently, patients undergo chemotherapy treatment every three weeks, but unlike with chemotherapy, there is a far less significant risk of hair loss as a side effect of the new combination treatment.

Around 9,400 women are diagnosed with cancer in the womb every year, making it the fourth most common cancer in UK women.

While the treatment was initially rejected in draft guidance by NICE on the grounds of cost-effectiveness, the NHS has been able to use its commercial capabilities to negotiate a deal with the manufacturers, allowing the treatment to be made available to patients.

“It is fantastic news that this innovative combination therapy can now offer a new lifeline to hundreds of women living with advanced endometrial cancer, giving hope of precious extra time to live with a better quality of life,” said NHS national cancer director Professor Peter Johnson.

“Now in its 75th year, the NHS is leading the world in making the latest treatments available through its unique commercial capabilities and commitment to innovation on behalf of patients and their families across the country.”

Grace Teeling, a 33-year-old from Bristol who was diagnosed with advanced stage three womb cancer in 2019, said: “I have been incredibly fortunate to receive treatment for the past two years and I had a really good response, which means there is currently no evidence of cancer on my recent scans,” she said.

“It has enabled me to thrive despite having an advanced and incurable cancer diagnosis.

“I am able to work, travel, socialise and exercise, including paddleboarding, which I may not have been able to do on chemotherapy. I am delighted others will now be able to access this treatment as I don’t think I would be alive today if I hadn’t.”

Professor Emma Crosbie, chair of trustees of Peaches Womb Cancer Trust, said: “This innovative new treatment regimen will benefit patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, who currently have very few effective anti-cancer treatments available to them.

“Every year, many people are facing a diagnosis of advanced or recurrent womb cancer, and the frightening reality of very few treatment options that can improve their survival and quality of life.

“Those affected by womb cancer deserve more treatment options, but we hope that this is just the first step towards wider availability of more effective treatment options for those affected by this devastating cancer.”

David Long, head of oncology at MSD UK, which manufactures pembrolzimab, said: “Endometrial cancer is one of the few cancers with rising incidence and mortality, and historically there has been limited treatment options for people with advanced stages of the disease.

“We are therefore very pleased that a new treatment option has been made available to patients which will help address this unmet need.

“We are proud to have worked alongside Eisai, NICE and NHS England to ensure patients can access this treatment.”

The combination treatment will be funded by the NHS and will be offered to all eligible women who have previously received treatment for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.