Enhertu drug now available on NHS in England for breast cancer patients
Doctors in England can prescribe Enhertu from Thursday to treat a specific type of incurable breast cancer after it was previously rejected by NICE.
Access expands for English patients
Patients in England with HER2-low breast cancer can now access the life-extending drug Enhertu on the NHS. This approval comes two years after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence deemed the treatment too expensive. Women in Scotland have had access to the medication since 2023, while it remains available in 26 other European countries.
Campaigners celebrate delayed victory
Charities and patients campaigned for wider availability starting in 2024 following the initial rejection of the drug. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that this recommendation allows NHS patients to finally benefit from a life-changing treatment. The decision is expected to affect about 1,000 women a year with this specific type of cancer.
Regional availability varies across UK
Wales is expected to follow England shortly with its own guidance on prescribing the drug. Northern Ireland does not automatically apply to the new recommendation given by health officials. Some patients have lived up to three years longer with the treatment, though average life extension is almost seven months.
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