Treatments for different types of cancer and a life-threatening fungal infection are among those to have been accepted for use on the NHS in Scotland . The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted five medicines in its latest round of decisions, including a “game changer” treatment for some prostate cancer patients and a drug for lung cancer patients. Selinexor, also known as Nexpovio, has been accepted for treating adults with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow.
It can be used together with bortezomib and dexamethasone for patients who have already received at least one line of treatment or with dexamethasone in those who have already received four lines of treatment. Pembrolizumab, also known as Keytruda, has been accepted for the treatment of adults with non-small cell lung cancer who are at high risk of recurrence following surgery and chemotherapy. READ MORE: Charities welcome acceptance of new medicines for use in Scotland Relugolix, also known as Orgovyx, has been accepted for the treatment of adult patients with advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer UK welcomed the decision as a “game changer”. Amy Rylance, assistant director of health improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “It’s wonderful news that Relugolix has been approved for potentially thousands of men in Scotland with advanced prostate cancer – meaning that the treatment is now accessible across the whole of the UK. .
