Bloodwise news

Blood cancer drugs kept on the Cancer Drugs Fund

We're delighted to announce that NHS England have confirmed that two blood cancer treatments will continue to be available to NHS patients via the Cancer Drugs Fund. The treatments were delisted from the CDF in September, but have been readmitted following negotiations between NHS England and the drugs’ manufacturers.

Ibrutinib and Brentuximab re-admitted onto the Cancer Drugs Fund

NHS England have announced that two blood cancer treatments will continue to be available to NHS patients via the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF). The treatments were delisted from the CDF in September, but have been readmitted following negotiations between NHS England and the drugs’ manufacturers.

The drug indications readmitted onto the CDF are:

Ibrutinib for relapsed/refractory chronic lympocytic leukaemia and for relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma

Brentuximab for refractory systemic anaplastic lymphoma and for relapsed or refractory CD30+ Hodgkin lymphoma

This marks a significant development for patients, with access to these medicines now secured for NHS patients. Ibrutinib and brentuximab are highly effective, and are regarded by the clinical community as the leading treatment option for these patient populations.

Diana Jupp, Director of Patient Experience at Bloodwise said:

“This is terrific news for many blood cancer patients. There was complete dismay amongst clinicians and patients when these was initially delisted in September. We welcome the negotiations undertaken by NHS England and the drug manufacturers that will allow NHS patients to continue to access them.”

“We now need to turn our attention to the remaining effective blood cancer drugs that are still unavailable for NHS patients– we hope that either through continued negotiations or through the new assessment process due to be launched next year, we can ensure blood cancer drugs have access to all effective treatments.”

Jules - Flying for everyone

[David73]

Hi

For me, on Ibrutinib through the NHS since February, and now doing well, this is a real relief.

David

[andygm]

Great news

[Haileybury]

Thank goodness that other patients will now be offered Ibrutinib. It has worked so well for me. I bet Anna Schuh is very relieved.

[MartyR]

Great News,

However it would have been nice to know if all the petitions submitted - did have an influence on this decision -- OR was it purely a cost issue!!!

In which case surely a monetary discussion behind "closed doors" between the NHS & Drug Companies must be a better idea -- RATHER than causing heartache, pain and distress to already unwell patients, family, medical professionals & careers !!

Of course there is a better way fortold in the Bible....

Revelations 21:4

And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.

Marty

[SycamoreN]

What fantastic news!

[Seven6]

Wonderful news!!

Seven6

[Calopteryx]

So relieved. Thank God the right decision has been made.

[meemsdream]

Are these drugs available in the united States?

Maria

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to meemsdream]

Ibrutinib (for CLL) is approved by the FDA, so yes it's available in the USA. Cost varies depending on your Health Insurance. Brentuximab isn't a CLL drug.

[charliegirl]

Delighted that others will benefit as I am doing already. My MP still hasn't replied to my letter sent 3 weeks ago!

Charlie Girl

[Hidden]

Me neither - aren't they supposed to represent us !!!!!!!!!!

[Quarry]

This is great news, though I can't find it on the CDF site...but it is on the Bloodwise site.

I do know my MP wrote to Secretary of State, but to my knowledge he has not yet had a reply. Perhaps they are changing reply!

Great news and Great work by CLLSA, Bloodwise and Anna's petition. Thanks to all of them

[HAIRBEAR_UK Founder Admin in reply to Quarry]

Hi Quarry

The updates are contained in the November version 6 of the CDF list published on the NHS CDF website section, you can also find CLLSA & Lymphoma Association updates here with the link to the new list: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Nick

[Quarry in reply to HAIRBEAR_UK]

Nick

Many thanks - I fear my little brain is getting confused with the many drugs beginning with B and I......so in terms of Anna's petition, we are half successful?

Andy

[HAIRBEAR_UK Founder Admin in reply to Quarry]

If you think In CLL treatment terms only, there was a 50% reversal! As one of the two drugs planned for CDF delisting for treating CLL (ibrutinib for relapsed/refractory) was reinstated (bendamustine for relapsed CLL) was removed,