Isatuximab approved for thoses newly diagnosed with myeloma
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved isatuximab in combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Isa-VRd) for adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who cannot have a stem cell transplant. The decision was published today (Wednesday 24 September).
Until now, isatuximab was only available after several other treatments had been tried. The new combination can help people stay well longer and may reduce the amount of cancer left in the body after treatment.
It takes a huge weight off patients to have a strong treatment option available early in their journey."
- Heidi Smith, support service nurse at Blood Cancer UK
The guidance applies in England. In Scotland, the Scottish Medicines Consortium is in the process of appraising this treatment, while Wales and Northern Ireland usually follow NICE guidance but can make local decisions.
Heidi Smith, a Blood Cancer UK clinical nurse specialist who supports those with myeloma, said:
“Until now, isatuximab in combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone was used for those who had already gone through multiple lines of therapy. It takes a huge weight off patients to have a strong treatment option available early in their journey to lessen the likelihood of long-term side effects like peripheral neuropathy from repeated treatments. Myeloma is still incurable, so while this is a positive step, there’s much more research to do before we reach a day where we beat blood cancer.”
