Hundreds of NHS patients are set to benefit from a revolutionary lung cancer drug that targets a genetic mutation dubbed the ‘death star’.
Sotorasib targets a mutation of the KRAS gene, given the Star Wars moniker on account of its spherical shape and impenetrable nature.
Around one in eight lung cancer patients have the mutation, with 600 people now eligible for treatment every year.
The first-of-its-kind drug has been in development for more than forty years and is the latest deal struck by the NHS as part of its Long Term Plan commitment to secure access to more innovative therapies.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said:
“It is fantastic news for hundreds more patients and their families that they will now be able to receive this first of its kind treatment thanks to another deal struck by the NHS.
“From life-changing drugs for cystic fibrosis to new treatments for sickle cell disease, this is the latest in a long list of deals we have struck to provide the latest cutting-edge therapies for patients – at a price that is affordable for the taxpayer.”
The drug could also present a major breakthrough treatment for other cancers, including pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancers.
It is also expected to present fewer side effects than chemotherapy, improving patients’ quality of life.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said:
“As part of our national war on cancer, we’re committed to speeding up diagnosis times and providing innovative treatments.
“This includes revolutionary drugs like sotorasib – the result of decades of research and supported by the Cancer Drugs Fund – which will let hundreds more lung cancer patients across England get the treatment they need.
“This ground-breaking deal will strengthen the NHS and help us make the country’s cancer care system the best in Europe”.
Around 50,000 people a year are diagnosed with lung cancer, the third most common cancer in the UK.
