Watchdog approves new cancer drug

A NEW cancer drug has been approved for use in Scotland, which will mean those diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia 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.

It is among six medicines approved for use in the NHS.

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 option that can offer a deeper clinical response and extended remission as well as fewer chemotherapy-related side effects”.

Other drugs accepted include pembrolizumab and nivolumab, for treating cancer of the gullet, which stimulate the immune system to fight the cancer.

Antibiotic oritavancin has been accepted for the treatment of shortterm bacterial, skin infections such as cellulitis and MRSA, which are often resistant to standard antibiotics.

A weight management medicine called liraglutide, prescribed to obese patients with other health problems related to being overweight, has also been accepted.

The final drug accepted was dapagliflozin, used to treat chronic kidney disease in adults.