science
NHS Approves Durvalumab for Treatment of Resectable Stomach Cancer
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has approved the immunotherapy drug durvalumab, also known as Imfinzi and made by AstraZeneca, for use by the NHS in adults with stomach cancer that has not spread extensively and can be surgically removed. An estimated 1,500 people per year in the UK could benefit from the decision.
May 14, 7:05 AM·1m read1 source
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has approved the immunotherapy drug durvalumab for NHS use in treating adults with resectable stomach cancer. The drug, also known as Imfinzi and manufactured by AstraZeneca, will be available to patients whose cancer has not spread extensively and can be removed through surgery.
An estimated 1,500 people annually in the UK could benefit from the approval. Durvalumab works by helping the body's immune system fight cancer. Clinical trials demonstrated that combining the drug with chemotherapy increased the length of time before the cancer progressed.
The combination has also been shown to improve overall survival. The decision marks an advance in treatment options for the disease. According to Cancer Research UK, stomach cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the stomach start to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
It is also known as gastric cancer.
Symptoms of stomach cancer include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, indigestion, and feeling or being sick. It is estimated that there are around 6,800 stomach cancer cases in the UK each year. The disease is the 18th most common cancer in the UK.
Sheena Dewan, executive director at Stomach Cancer UK, said: "This is the first major advance in curative-intent treatment for stomach cancer in nearly a decade.
