New blood cancer NHS treatment could help hundreds of people

A new treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma has been recommended for routine use on the NHS. Around 800 people with the advanced form of blood cancer could benefit, it is believed.

The condition develops in the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands throughout the body. The decision on the treatment has been made by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice).

The NHS spending watchdog has recommended brentuximab vedotin, sold under the brand name Adcetris, to be used in combination with other therapies, officials say. It combines brentuximab vedotin with doxorubicin, dacarbazine and vinblastine, which is given to patients as an infusion into a vein.

Experts say that evidence suggests the combination could raise the amount of time a patient has before their disease progresses. It could also boost overall survival compared to standard chemotherapy.

The new announcement says that it is recommended for patients with a stage three or four CD30-positive form of Hodgkin lymphoma which was previously untreated.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: “Today’s recommendation represents a significant milestone for people with advanced Hodgkin lymphoma. Having an alternative to chemotherapy on its own is particularly important for these patients, many of whom may have been told that there is no further effective treatment available to them.

“The evidence shows brentuximab combination therapy could help increase how long people have before their cancer gets worse and potentially enable them to live longer compared with current standard treatments.”

Health minister Ashley Dalton said: “This new treatment will give new hope to hundreds of cancer patients and their families every year, at a price that is fair to the NHS. As part of the Plan for Change, this Government is working to make the NHS fit for the future, including by supporting the development of innovative medicines.

“Our National Cancer Plan will set out actions to fight cancer on all fronts – by improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research.”

Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma

The NHS website states that the most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is a "swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. The swelling is usually painless, although some people find that it aches.

"The swelling is caused by an excess of affected lymphocytes (white blood cells) collecting in a lymph node (also called lymph glands). Lymph nodes are pea-sized lumps of tissue found throughout the body. They contain white blood cells that help to fight infection.

"However, it's highly unlikely that you have Hodgkin lymphoma if you have swollen lymph nodes, as these glands often swell as a response to infection."

The NHS says that some people with Hodgkin lymphoma also have other more general symptoms. These can include: