An Edinburgh woman, Aileen Lamb, who successfully fought acute myeloid leukaemia, expressed her optimism about the approval of a new cancer treatment drug called Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel). This drug is specifically for adults diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL). The Scottish Medicines Consortium has given the green light for this drug, providing new hope for patients in Scotland.
Aileen shared her personal experience, highlighting the psychological impact of receiving a life-changing blood cancer diagnosis. She mentioned how it takes away the ability to plan for the future and forces individuals to confront their mortality. Even after remission, the fear of cancer recurrence lingers. With the approval of axi-cel, there is renewed hope for recovery and a brighter future for those battling blood cancer.
Kirsty Stewart, a 31-year-old from Aberdeen living with DLBCL, also expressed her thoughts on the approval of the new drug. She emphasized the challenges of living with DLBCL, including fatigue, fear of relapse, and the harsh side effects of existing treatments. The availability of Yescarta means that more patients in Scotland can undergo CAR-T therapy earlier, increasing their chances of finding a cure and leading a normal life.
While the SMC initially did not recommend axi-cel for second-line use due to cost-effectiveness concerns, a resubmission from the pharmaceutical company, Gilead, led to its approval for such cases in Scotland. This decision allows individuals whose cancer has returned within a year of their first-line treatment or those whose cancer does not respond to initial treatment to access this innovative therapy.
Josh Hill, Blood Cancer UK’s Scottish Policy Officer, emphasized the importance of improving blood cancer survival rates in the UK. The approval of axi-cel and other treatments like quizartinib (Vanflyta) for acute myeloid leukaemia marks a significant step forward in providing better care for individuals affected by blood cancer. Quizartinib has been approved for newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia with FLT3-ITD mutations, offering targeted treatment for this aggressive form of blood cancer.
In Scotland, approximately 150 people are diagnosed with AML each year, with around 25% of cases involving FLT3-ITD mutations. The availability of targeted therapies like quizartinib fills a crucial gap in treatment options for these patients. This progress signifies a commitment to ensuring that no one loses their life to blood cancer or its treatments.
Overall, the approval of these new drugs in Scotland offers renewed hope and improved prospects for individuals battling various forms of blood cancer. The advancements in treatment options reflect a positive shift towards better outcomes and quality of life for patients in the region.
