Future of pancreatic cancer drug in Wales uncertain

The future of a pancreatic cancer drug in Wales is uncertain after its use was discouraged by a UK health body.

Abraxane was approved by the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) for advanced patients last year and made available on the NHS in Wales.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has now issued final draft guidance that did not recommend its use with chemotherapy.

The Welsh government said it will remain available, pending advice.

But the charity, Pancreatic Cancer Action, said the NICE announcement could override the AWMSG decision and warned patients may be stripped of the life-extending treatment.

Side effects

Announcing its decision on Thursday, NICE said the cost of using the drug is "not justified by its limited benefits compared to current treatments" for patients whose pancreatic cancer has spread.

The public body, which publishes guidance on new and existing medicines, said chemotherapy drug gemcitabine is more effective when used with Abraxane but the combination triggers "more serious side effects".

These include an increased risk of infection, bleeding problems, tiredness, breathlessness, sickness and hair loss, NICE said.

Pancreatic cancer is the fifth-biggest cancer killer in the UK

Ali Stunt, chief executive of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: "We are devastated that pancreatic cancer patients in Wales face having their access to Abraxane, in combination with gemcitabine, slashed.

"Not only is the negative recommendation from NICE inconsistent with previous guidance issued by the AWMSG, it leaves Welsh patients affected by pancreatic cancer with very few treatment options."

She pointed out that the treatment has been approved in Scotland.

Advice

Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Wales, with nearly 1,350 deaths recorded annually, according to the charity's figures.

About 80% of adults with the disease in England and Wales do not survive more than a year after diagnosis.

A Welsh government spokesman said: "Abraxane was appraised and recommended for use in NHS Wales by the All-Wales Medicines Strategy Group in September last year and has been available to patients in Wales since it was approved.

"AWMSG have been asked to provide us with advice on the NICE decision and the position in Wales will be considered once that advice has been received.

"In the meantime, Abraxane will continue to be available to patients in Wales."