LONDON: In a groundbreaking development that promises to transform the landscape of myeloma treatment, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved a “game-changing” triple therapy for NHS patients in the UK. This milestone decision marks a significant stride forward in the battle against this incurable blood cancer, offering a lifeline to thousands of Britons affected by the disease.
Myeloma, a cancer that originates in the bone marrow and often presents symptoms like fatigue and bone pain, affects approximately 6,000 people in the UK each year. Traditionally, treatment involved high-dose chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant using the patient’s own cells. However, for about two-thirds of patients, particularly those who are frail or elderly, this approach was not feasible.
The newly approved treatment, known as DRD (daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone), has emerged as a revolutionary alternative for adults with untreated myeloma who are ineligible for a stem cell transplant. Clinical data presented to Nice reveals that DRD significantly reduces the risk of disease progression and death by an impressive 45%, compared to the standard treatment involving lenalidomide and dexamethasone. Moreover, the survival rate without disease progression extends to five years, compared to just under three years for the conventional treatment.
Therapy Decreases Risk of Death from Blood Cancer
The overall survival data is equally encouraging, indicating a 34% decreased risk of death compared to the standard approach. According to Myeloma UK, a charity dedicated to supporting patients, up to 4,000 myeloma patients in the UK annually could benefit from this groundbreaking triple therapy.
Currently, only half of myeloma patients in the UK survive the disease for five years or more, with approximately a third surpassing the ten-year mark. Shelagh McKinlay, the director of research and advocacy at Myeloma UK, expressed her excitement, stating that “DRD is a game-changer that will make a tremendous difference to patients’ quality of life.” This treatment not only extends life but also enhances its quality, offering patients more precious years with their loved ones.
The approval of this triple therapy represents a monumental step forward in the fight against myeloma, providing newfound hope to individuals confronting this challenging diagnosis.
