COMMENT

CLL is the most common type of chronic leukaemia, it is more prevalent in people over 60 and is very rare in people under 40. Men are more likely to develop CLL than women, though it is not clear why.

The SMC carried out their patient and clinician engagement (PACE) process for medicines used for rare conditions before deciding to approve Venetoclax.

Alan Macdonald, chairman of the SMC, said: “Through PACE, we heard how Venetoclax can substantially reduce symptoms in CLL patients and give them a better quality of life, so we know this decision will be welcomed.”

Gregor Mcnie, Cancer Research UK’S senior public affairs manager, welcomed the SMC decision. He said: “It’s great news that Venetoclax will be made available for some patients in Scotland with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia(cll).thisdecisionoffers

DR MIKE LEACH another treatment option for some patients with this devastating disease.

“Venetoclax is a new, targeted treatment for this type of cancer. It blocks the function of a protein found in CLL cells, causing the cells to die. Around 200 people are diagnosed with CLL in Scotland every year.

“Right now, patients in Glasgow are taking part in a Cancer Research UK trial to find out how well Venetoclax and another drug, Ibrutinib, work together to treat this type of leukaemia. The hope is that this could provide a further treatment option for patients with this type of cancer in the future.”

“The data and our clinical experience show that patients respond well to treatment with a number achieving complete remission”