European News

Lenvatinib is indicated or treatment for adults with advanced renal cell carcinoma

NICE has published an appraisal consultation document (ACD) recommending the use of lenvatinib as a therapeutic option for untreated intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in adults. The inhibitor has been recommended only if nivolumab with ipilimumab would otherwise be offered.

The ACD follows the Scottish Medicine Consortium (SMC) positive recommendation of the combination for advanced RCC in June 2022. The combination will receive interim funding in England via the Cancer Drugs Fund, until publication of the technology appraisal guidance, which is expected in early 2023.

“We are happy to have supported Eisai’s clinical trial programme, to help develop this alternative first-line combination therapy and are delighted to see NICE deliver a positive ACD, now making this treatment available to patients across England,” said Professor Thomas Powles, Director of Barts Cancer Centre at St. Bartholomew's Hospital. “With more treatment options available to patients in more countries, we can provide personalised care plans that align more closely to their needs.”

Lenvatinib is indicated for the treatment of adults with advanced renal cell carcinoma in combination with pembrolizumab, as a first-line treatment.

RCC is the most common type of kidney cancer, accounting for approximately nine in 10 kidney cancer cases in the UK. It also has the highest mortality rate of the genitourinary cancers, as more than a third of patients will die from the disease. Between 2013 and 2017, approximately one third (36%) of people in the UK diagnosed with kidney cancer were diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage of the disease (stage 3 or 4).

“We are delighted that NICE is recommending this alternative first-line combination treatment option for patients living with advanced kidney cancer across England. We know through our annual Kidney Cancer UK patient survey that 42% of patients in the UK are diagnosed at an advanced stage when survival rates are typically lower. Having this combination option available through the Cancer Drugs Fund is great news which will be welcomed.” said Nick Turkentine, Chief Operating Officer, Kidney Cancer UK.