Pembrolizumab now available for the treatment of certain patients with colorectal cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic
Following an interim treatment agreement between NHS England and MSD, pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is now available in England for eligible patients with metastatic microsatellite instability-high or mismatch repair deficient colorectal cancer.
Source:
PharmaTimes
Resource links:
NHS England interim treatment options during the COVID-19 pandemic
SPS commentary:
The agreement is part of the NHS’ efforts to offer alternative cancer therapies, where they are clinically indicated, to meet patient needs and fulfil certain criteria. Pembrolizumab has been made available in this instance to reduce the number of admissions and reduce the risk of neutropenia.
The list of interim treatment options during the Covid-19 pandemic, which is linked to in the NICE COVID-19 rapid guideline: delivery of systemic anticancer treatments (NG161), has been updated to reflect this.