Some more good news to start off the month.
Idelalisib for relapsed/refractory CLL is available through the Cancer Drugs Fund, it has been moved from the pending list to full CDF list
During the freeze of the opportunity for assessment and availability of new drug for CLL in the current CDF consultation process on how the CDF will appraise drugs for listing. Idelalisib has gained full CDF listing until the CDF can meet again for listing considerations
Gilead have agreed to an interim access scheme with CDF to ensure CLL patients have access to a transformational therapy during this period. of course we do not know if when CDF is able to reconvene that the original guidance will stand or be overturned? As it is suggested that the proposed new CDF scoring tools in the current consultation SOP may end up penalizing the final decision. But at least we have access to novel therapy for the relapsed refractory during the consultation.
This is especially relevant now that the compassionate access programme to Ibrutinib on a named only basis ended at the end of September. Treating clinicians in England are now able to access idelalisib using the Cancer Drug Fund.
Idelalisib listing
The treatment of relapsed/ refractory Chronic Lymphocytic
Leukaemia where all the following criteria are met:
1. Application made by and first cycle of systemic anti-cancer therapy
to be prescribed by a consultant specialist specifically trained and
accredited in the use of systemic anti-cancer therapy
2. Confirmed CLL
3. Disease progression within 24 months of last systemic therapy
4. At least one previous anti-CD 20 antibody-based treatment or 2
previous chemotherapy regimens
5. Contraindications to cytotoxic chemotherapy (severe neutropenia
or thrombocytopenia as a consequence of previous treatments) or an
estimated creatinine clearance <60 mls/min or comorbidities as
measured by a score of >6 on the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale
6. Given in combination with Rituximab at a dose of 375 mg/m2,
followed by 500 mg per square meter every 2 weeks for 4 doses and
then every 4 weeks for 3 doses, for a total of 8 infusions. Idelalisib
should be continued to progression.
7. Idelalisib is provided by the manufacturer under the terms of the
interim access scheme
NOTE: Rituximab in this indication is funded via baseline
commissioning
Revised CDF list can be found via this weblink: england.nhs.uk/wp-content/u...
This is a helpful section from Cancer research UK and explains the Cancer Drugs Fund: