CANCER BREAKTHROUGH: Drug that helps defeat life-threatening melanomas gets NHS approval

SKIN cancer treatment is set to radically improve after a new drug that can help defeat advanced tumours was made available to NHS patients.

Pembrolizumab is a PD-1 inhibitor, a class of drug which stimulates the immune system to attack tumours, which can now be used to treat NHS patients with life threatening or deliberating advanced melanomas.

It works by making cancer cells “visible” to the body’s immune system so it can be attacked by its own natural defence mechanisms.

Gillian Nuttall, founder of Melanoma UK said, “We are delighted that patients with advanced melanoma will now be given another treatment option.- writes the Daily Express.

“Melanoma is a very difficult disease to treat and it is good news that this treatment will now be made available on the NHS.

“We must express our thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly in achieving this outcome. This is very good news for the melanoma community.”

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved guidelines for the use of the treatment, developed by Merck & Co Inc (MSD).

 

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