Blood cancer treatment for a form of acute myeloid leukaemia approved for use on NHS
For those newly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with an IDH1 mutation there is now access to a new treatment - Ivosidenib (Tibsovo) with azacitidine. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has made it available to those in England and Wales. The treatment combination has already been approved for use in Scotland earlier this year.
This is the first treatment for those newly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) who also have a specific genetic mutation known as IDH1 who cannot receive standard induction chemotherapy.
Acute myeloid leukaemia is a fast-growing type of blood cancer that usually needs urgent treatment. Intense chemotherapy can be unsuitable for AML patients with an IDH1 mutation as they are usually older and have pre-existing medical conditions. Around 3,100 people are diagnosed with AML each year in the UK.
Ivosidenib is an oral tablet that is taken once every day (2X 250mg tablets). While azacitidine is administered via an intravenous line.
People with blood cancer deserve options of less toxic treatments and this is an important step forward in helping save more lives from blood cancer.
- Rincy George
Blood Cancer UK’s Policy Officer Rincy George said:
“This is the first treatment specifically for people with the blood cancer acute myeloid leukaemia who have an IDH1 mutation and cannot undergo standard induction chemotherapy. We’re delighted that people with AML with an IDH1 mutation now have another treatment option available to them. Ivosidenib is also an oral treatment and can be taken at home, often helping reduce travel and financial costs associated with hospital trips.”
You can email us at [email protected] or you can call our nurses confidentially for free on 08082080888. Our online forum is available 24/7 too.
