Claire Rowney, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“We’re delighted that ribociclib with an aromatase inhibitor will be available for use on NHS Scotland for certain people with primary breast cancer, offering them the vital chance of reducing the risk of the cancer coming back by nearly a third (28.5%). [1]
“This news will bring real reassurance and hope to patients and their loved ones for whom we know the fear of cancer returning can cause significant anxiety. “It’s now vital the Scottish Government urgently ensures health boards are funded and resourced to support already struggling local cancer services so that eligible patients are guaranteed access to treatment without delay.
“However it’s deeply disappointing that alongside this elacestrant has been rejected for use on NHS Scotland. As the first targeted treatment for certain people living with ER-positive, HER2-negative incurable secondary breast cancer with an ESR1 mutation, it could offer them the hope of precious extra time before their cancer progresses.[2]
“Following last month’s rejection of capivasertib with fulvestrant, it’s distressing to see Scottish secondary breast cancer patients yet again denied access to innovative treatments they need.
“People with this devastating incurable disease in Scotland simply cannot afford for this to mark the start of a troubling trend that sees them being denied treatments available across the rest of the UK.
“We’re urgently calling for Menarini Stemline to engage with the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) to work together to address concerns about cost-effectiveness and find a solution as soon as possible so this treatment is made available for anyone who could benefit.”
ENDS.
Notes to editors
[1] Ribociclib in combination with an aromatase inhibitor is a treatment for for patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative primary breast cancer that is at high risk of recurrence. The clinical trial showed that use of ribociclib and an aromatase inhibitor (compared to aromatase inhibitor only) was associated with a 28.5% reduction in risk of recurrence – the four year invasive disease free survival rate in the full trial population was 88.5% for ribocliclib and endocrine therapy, compared to 83.6% for endocrine therapy alone.
[2] Elacestrant is a treatment for certain people with ER-positive, HER2-negative incurable secondary breast cancer with an ESR1 mutation. ESR1 is a genetic change that often occurs after long-term use of hormone therapy, which is given as part of initial treatment for this type of secondary breast cancer. ESR1 mutations are associated with the disease progressing faster and worse survival.
Elacestrant was assessed by SMC to treat a subgroup of these people who have been treated with a CDK 4/6 inhibitor for 12 months or more without progression. Evidence from a post-hoc analysis of data from the EMERALD clinical trial found that it could increase progression free survival by 6.9 months compared to existing treatment options .