UK – NHS fast tracks life-extending prostate cancer drug to patients

Around 9,000 men with one of the most advanced forms of prostate cancer will be eligible for a new life-extending treatment thanks to a fast tracked deal by the NHS.

The NHS in England will become the first in Europe to roll out Darolutamide to patients whose prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Studies show the chances of living longer are increased by one third in men who were previously left untreated.

The drug works by blocking androgen receptors in cancer cells, which in turn blocks the effect of testosterone that allows the cancer cells to survive and multiply.

Darolutamide, also known by its brand name, Nubeqa®, is already available on the NHS for some patients who have localised prostate cancer but this offer is now being expanded to cover those whose cancer has spread after NHS England struck another early access agreement…