Chemo-free leukaemia treatment given green light by NHS

NICE has said that not only does the drug have “fewer side effects than existing NHS treatments” but that a deal has been struck to get the drug at a discount. It has been estimated that at least 2,395 patients will be provided access to the treatment.

The drug usually costs £169 per day, with a 30-day pack costing around £5,059 direct from suppliers, Calquence. However, with this latest approval, those suffering from CLL will be able to receive the twice-a-day pill through the NHS. CLL is the most common form of leukaemia: a type of cancer that attacks the blood cells. CLL, specifically, causes significant pain and an increased risk of infection. It is not yet known when the drug will begin circulating. Head of research for Blood Cancer UK, Dr Fatima Sulaiman, stated that "acalabrutinib slows progression more than the standard treatment and will also improve quality of life.” Another huge step forward in the fight against cancer.