A step forward for people with blood cancer - new drug approved on NHS
United Kingdom
The blood cancer drug quizartinib (Vanflyta) has been approved for the treatment of newly diagnosed (FLT3-ITD-positive) acute myeloid leukaemia on the NHS in England.
Acute myeloid leukaemia is a fast-growing type of blood cancer that usually needs urgent treatment.
We worked with NICE on behalf of those with blood cancer, which has led to this outcome.
This new drug is massive news because not only does it give people a potential new road to recovery, it gives people hope and in those moments that means everything.”
- Anna Mamwell, 48, who is living in remission with blood cancer
Speaking about the news, Dr Rubina Ahmed, Director of Research, Policy and Services at Blood Cancer UK, said:
“It’s a positive step that the drug quizartinib is now available for people with this specific form of blood cancer on the NHS in England. For those with acute myeloid leukaemia with the FLT3-ITD mutation, the latest research shows the drug gives people a better chance of their cancer going into remission, can extend people’s life, and can also be used after a stem cell transplant, unlike current treatments. However, the chances of survival from acute myeloid leukaemia across the UK remains poor and this drug cannot be used for everyone with the condition, so we must ensure that no stone is left unturned in the hunt for new treatments.”
What does it mean to people affected by blood cancer
"You can’t underestimate the psychological impact of receiving a life-changing blood cancer diagnosis, particularly a hard-to-treat blood cancer like acute myeloid leukaemia. "
Anna Mamwell, 48, who is living in remission with acute myeloid leukaemia (not the FLT30ITD mutation) said:
“You can’t underestimate the psychological impact of receiving a life-changing blood cancer diagnosis, particularly a hard-to-treat blood cancer like acute myeloid leukaemia. In a moment, the ability to plan for the future is taken away from you, and you have to face up to your own mortality and even when you’re in remission you live in fear of the cancer coming back. This new drug is massive news because not only does it give people a potential new road to recovery, it gives people hope and in those moments that means everything.”
