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London, UK – August 7, 2025
In a significant advancement for cancer treatment, the NHS has approved a new combination therapy for patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. This marks the first time immunotherapy has been integrated with chemotherapy as a first-line option for this patient group.
The approved regimen combines pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme, with the chemotherapy agents carboplatin and paclitaxel. Pembrolizumab enhances the immune system’s ability to identify and destroy cancer cells, while chemotherapy inhibits their growth and division.
Clinical trial data demonstrate that the combination reduces the risk of death by 26% compared to chemotherapy alone and significantly delays disease progression, offering patients extended survival and improved quality of life.
The treatment is now available through the Cancer Drugs Fund, following a commercial agreement that ensures both cost-effectiveness and immediate access for eligible patients. Approximately 2,100 individuals are expected to benefit annually.
Helen Knight, Director of Medicines Evaluation at NICE, stated:
“For people with advanced endometrial cancer, this innovative combination offers a powerful new treatment option. It marks a major step forward, and we’re pleased to recommend it as part of our commitment to getting the best care to people, fast, while ensuring value for the taxpayer.”
Excerpts from nationalhealthexecutive.com article by Dan Benn
