Johnson & Johnson has welcomed Final Draft Guidance from NICE recommending Imbruvica (ibrutinib) with R‑CHOP, alternating with R‑DHAP or R‑DHAOx, followed by ibrutinib monotherapy, for adults with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma who are suitable for an autologous stem cell transplant. The decision marks the first time an alternative first‑line option has been supported for this patient group.
Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare and usually aggressive type of non‑Hodgkin lymphoma affecting around 600 people in the UK each year. Most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and the condition is generally considered incurable.
Current treatment for those suitable for transplant involves intensive chemo‑immunotherapy followed by ASCT and maintenance therapy. The phase 3 TRIANGLE study showed that an ibrutinib‑based regimen improved failure‑free survival, progression‑free survival and overall survival compared with standard care involving ASCT.
Anna Grint, Patient and Public Affairs at Lymphoma Action, said: “We welcome the approval of ibrutinib in combination with chemo-immunotherapy as an important treatment option for people with mantle cell lymphoma.”
She added: “Having access to an effective alternative that may potentially eliminate the need for a transplant means fewer side effects, a faster recovery, and less disruption to daily life.”
Dr David Lewis, Consultant Haematologist at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said: “The approval of the targeted therapy ibrutinib in combination with chemo-immunotherapy is fantastic news for patients with untreated mantle cell lymphoma as it is an effective option that prolongs survival and alleviates the toxicity associated with an autologous stem cell transplant.”
He added: “It will also allow more outpatient-based treatment and mean less time in hospital for patients who would otherwise have had an ASCT.”
Amanda Cunnington, UK Senior Director, Patient Access at Johnson & Johnson, said: “We are delighted that NICE has recommended this ibrutinib-based regimen for eligible people living with mantle cell lymphoma.”
She added: “At Johnson & Johnson, we remain committed to working in partnership with the NHS, healthcare professionals and the patient community to help improve outcomes for people affected by blood cancers.”
