Monday 28 November 2022 12:14 AM Fast-track drug brings prostate cancer hope as it could extend life expectancy ... trends now
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Around 9,000 men with one of the most advanced forms of prostate cancer will be eligible for a new life-extending drug – thanks to a fast-tracked deal.
The NHS in England will become the first healthcare provider in Europe to roll out Darolutamide to patients whose prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Trials of the drug have shown the chances of living longer are increased by a third in men who were previously left untreated.
The drug works by obstructing androgen receptors in cancer cells, which in turn blocks the effect of testosterone that allows the cancer cells to survive and multiply.
A 3D stock rendering of cancer cells attacking and growing on a human cell
Darolutamide, also known by its brand name Nubeqa, could help extend the life of prostate cancer patients
Darolutamide, also known by its brand name Nubeqa, is already available on the NHS for some patients who have localised prostate cancer.
This offer is now being expanded to cover those whose cancer has spread after NHS England struck an early access agreement.
The drug is usually taken as a tablet with food and in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and docetaxel chemotherapy.
The trial,
