Blood cancer patients face treatment access disparity

New research highlights NHS approval gap compared to other cancers

Research from the Blood Cancer Alliance reveals a significant disparity in access to new blood cancer treatments on the NHS. Between 2019 and 2024, only 56% of new blood cancer treatments gained NICE approval, compared to 74% for other cancer types.

A key factor is the high rate of pharmaceutical companies withdrawing blood cancer treatment appraisals. 38% of NICE appraisals for these treatments were terminated by manufacturers, compared to just 14% for other cancer types.

Sophie Castell, Co-Chair of the Blood Cancer Alliance, said: “We’re incredibly concerned by the findings of this research.” She added: “UK patient outcomes are lagging behind our international counterparts in every type of blood cancer, and if there are barriers to the adoption of proven and effective new therapies, it is hard to see how we can reverse this situation.”

One example is the CAR-T therapy, Cilta-Cel, for myeloma. Patients in England saw benefits during trials, but the NICE appraisal was terminated. David Williams, a 71-year-old patient, said: “I was extremely disappointed to see the termination.” He added: “It’s difficult to think about the people who won’t get to benefit from this treatment.”

The most common reason for termination was failure to meet cost-effectiveness tests. The Blood Cancer Alliance suggests NICE may need to adapt its appraisal processes for complex, high-cost therapies. They also point to a lack of flexibility in price negotiations with NHS England.

Fiona Hazell, Co-Chair of the Blood Cancer Alliance, added: “It’s unacceptable that patients in comparable economies can access cancer treatments that deliver better outcomes when NHS patients in England cannot.” She concluded: “The Government, NHS England and pharmaceutical industry must work together to ensure the UK’s appraisal and commercial models are fit to deliver timely patient access to them.”