Myeloma combination therapy approved for use
The combination therapy, DRT, has been approved for use in England and Wales for those with myeloma who are not eligible for a stem cell transplant
Earlier this month, we reported that new blood cancer treatments for myeloma were approved for use on the NHS in Scotland.
Now, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), has approved the combination drug - DRT - for use in England and Wales for those with myeloma. DRT, combines three drugs – daratumumab (Darzalex®), lenalidomide (Revlimid®) and dexamethasone.
The drug is aimed at those newly-diagnosed with myeloma – a form of blood cancer - who are not eligible for a stem cell transplant.
According to charity Myeloma UK, nearly 4,000 people a year with myeloma may benefit from the drug.
Combining drugs allows diseases to be attacked from multiple angles, increasing the chance of successful treatment.
- Laura Challinor, Senior Policy Manager at Blood Cancer UK
Laura continues to say:
"The decision from the Scottish Medicines Consortium and now NICE to approve the use of Ibrutinib (Imbruvica®) alongside venetoclax (Venclyxto®) for treating chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and also giving the green light for Daratumumab (Darzalex®) as part of a combination therapy is a welcome step forward.
"Since 1960, we’ve invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Although outcomes for people with blood cancer are improving, investing in further research will help develop better and kinder treatments, such as these, for those living with the disease."
