Scottish Medicines Agency has decided in favour of Venetoclax plus Obintuzumab for some patients.

[Jm954]

The SMC has accepted venetoclax in combination with obinutuzumab for use in certain patients. There is a restriction that means that venetoclax may be used together with obinutuzumab as a fixed term treatment in two subgroups of patients with CLL who have not yet had any treatment for their CLL:

- patients with del(17p)/TP53 mutation

- patients without del(17p)/TP53 mutation who are not fit enough to receive the chemo - immunotherapy FCR (fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab)

We are obviously disappointed that the treatment will not be available for those who are suitable for FCR as their first treatment as per the NICE recent approval this treatment combination for use in England where it was approved for all patients having their first treatment. NICE opted to use the Cancer Drugs Fund, so that further information can be gathered and the decision. reviewed in a few years.

The NICE decision was possible thanks to the efforts of charities including CLL Support, Lymphoma Action, Leukaemia Care and clinical experts.

We have argued forcefully against the health inequalities that are becoming ever more apparent for FCR suitable patients but this will be a long battle we fear.

Jackie

[mrsjsmith]

Good news Jackie.

Well done for all your hard work.

Colette x

[Psmithuk]

Glad to hear this, Jackie, thank you. However, the more I hear about the differences between the health services in the devolved areas of the U.K., the more I think they should drop the 'National' in the name. Unfortunately.

Cx

[Jm954 Administrator in reply to Psmithuk]

Wales and maybe NI follow England. Not sure why Scotland feels the need to duplicate the processes, staff and review the same evidence for themselves.

[Fran57]

Thanks, Jackie, for all your continued hard work and reporting back - it is very much appreciated 😊Stay safe,

Fran 😉

[Jm954 Administrator in reply to Fran57]

Thank you Fran, you too!