AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi (durvalumab) has been approved for NHS use in England and Wales for adults with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) whose disease has not progressed after platinum-based chemoradiotherapy.
This marks the first treatment advancement in LS-SCLC in over 30 years, offering new hope for around 1,200 patients diagnosed annually in the UK.
The recommendation by NICE follows results from the phase 3 ADRIATIC trial. Patients treated with durvalumab saw a 22.5-month improvement in median overall survival compared to placebo. At three years, 56.5% of patients were still alive versus 48% for placebo.
The study also showed a 27% reduction in risk of death (HR 0.73; 95% CI 0.57–0.93; p=0.0104), regardless of chemotherapy regimen or use of prophylactic cranial irradiation.
LS-SCLC is a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer. Although initial responses to chemoradiotherapy are common, recurrence is rapid and prognosis remains poor. Only 15–30% of patients survive five years post-diagnosis.
Dr Kevin Franks, Thoracic Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “The approval of durvalumab for limited-stage small cell lung cancer marks a major step forward in the treatment of this difficult disease. Historically, patients with this form of lung cancer have had very few treatment options, with outcomes often remaining poor despite intensive therapy. The ADRIATIC trial shows that the addition of immunotherapy can significantly extend survival.”
Tom Keith Roach, President, AstraZeneca UK, said: “This positive recommendation expands the reach of Imfinzi across small cell lung cancer, and reinforces our commitment to transforming outcomes for people facing one of the most challenging cancers.”
