Macmillan's response to NICE decision on leukaemia drugs

Commenting on the decision by NICE to reject azacitidine for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia, Mike Hobday, Head of Campaigns at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

'We are extremely disappointed NICE has rejected a drug proven to give patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia more time and a better quality of life.

'Azacitidine is just one of many drugs for rarer cancers to be rejected by NICE in the past year. The current system is failing people with rarer cancers. It’s time for a more flexible approach - one that doesn’t rule you out if you have the wrong kind of cancer.'

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Rebecca Openshaw, Macmillan Cancer Support
020 7840 4699 (out of hours 07801 307068)
ropenshaw@macmillan.org.uk |

Notes to Editors

• This is the final appraisal determination (FAD) on azacitidine for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
• Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of disorders affecting the bone marrow. They are not types of cancer, but can develop into leukaemia. However, the symptoms are often very similar to those caused by leukaemia, and the treatments used are also similar.
• Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a cancer of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow.
• Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukaemia is a form of myelodysplasia characterized by an increase in the number of circulating white blood cells of monocyte type. It may transform into acute leukaemia or patients may develop problems with infection or bleeding.
• The evidence submitted to NICE assumes that around 700 patients a year could receive azacitidine.
• Azacitidine has been rejected because it is not deemed to be a cost-effective treatment.  The drug is valued at £63,000 per 'quality adjusted life year' - a measure that takes into account the quality - as well as the length - of a treatment's benefit.
• The appraisal process for azacitidine began a year ago, in March 2009.
• Consultees have until 18 March 2010 to submit an appeal to NICE on this topic. If appeals are received and upheld there will be an appeal meeting.  If no appeals are received this will become final guidance for the NHS in England and Wales, which must be implemented within three months.
• Macmillan Cancer Support has been working with MDS UK Patient Support Group, Rarer Cancers Forum, Leukaemia CARE, Leukaemia Research Fund, and Leukaemia Society on this appraisal and will not be appealing this decision.