Cancer drug cleared for use in Scotland

A NEW cancer drug has been approved for use in Scotland, which will mean those diagnosed with the condition will not have to undergo chemotherapy.

Venetoclax has been given the go-ahead for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) by the Scottish Medicines Consortium after it was found it could offer adults with the condition a better chance at survival when used with obinutuzumab.

Dr Mike Leach, a consultant haematologist at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, said: “Following the SMC’s decision to provide more CLL patients in Scotland with access to the venetoclax plus obinutuzumab combination therapy, this will mean a greater number of patients could benefit from a treatment that can offer a deeper clinical response and extended remission and fewer chemotherapyrelated side effects.”