Scotland rejects new drugs for cancer and Alzheimer's
Use of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx) for metastatic breast cancer is not recommended for use within NHS Scotland, says the Scottish Medicines Consortium in guidance issued this week.
The SMC says that although this formulation has a less harmful effect
on the heart than conventional doxorubicin, it is associated with other
serious events. “It is significantly more expensive than the standard
preparation and its cost-effectiveness in managing breast cancer has
not been addressed [by the manufacturer, Schering Plough],” the
SMC states.
In separate guidance, the SMC also rejects the use of zoledronic acid
(Zometa) for
skeletal-related events in prostate cancer and the use of memantine (Ebixa)
for Alzheimer’s disease. The guidance on memantine followed a resubmission
by Lundbeck, the product’s manufacturer, after the SMC failed to
endorse its drug in its December guidance.
Propofol emulsion (Propofol Lipuro), used for general anaesthesia, and
the combination product Stalevo (levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone),
used to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease, were accepted
for use.
Guidance recommending restricted use was issued for two further drugs — topiramate
(Topamax) for epilepsy and caspofungin (Cancidas) for invasive candidiasis.
From spring 2004, Scottish health boards will be obliged to follow SMC
recommendations. Until now its role has been advisory. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal