logo
Blood cancer patients in England first in world to be offered ‘Trojan horse' drug

Blood cancer patients in England first in world to be offered ‘Trojan horse' drug

The Guardian13-06-2025
Thousands of patients in England with blood cancer will become the first in the world to be offered a pioneering 'Trojan horse' drug that sneaks inside cancer cells and wipes them out.
In guidance published on Friday, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) gave the green light to belantamab mafodotin, which can halt the advance of multiple myeloma for three times as long as standard treatments.
The targeted therapy, which is given as an infusion every three weeks with other cancer drugs, is a special type of antibody drug that targets and attaches to cancer cells.
It has been described as a Trojan horse treatment because it works by being taken into a cancer cell and unleashing a high concentration of a lethal molecule to destroy the cell from inside.
Prof Peter Johnson, NHS England's national clinical director for cancer, said the drug would be life-changing for patients and their families.
'Myeloma is an aggressive type of blood cancer, but we have seen a steady improvement in the outlook for patients over recent years as we have introduced new targeted therapies,' he said.
'I am delighted that patients in England will be the first to benefit from this new treatment, which has the potential to keep cancer at bay for years longer, giving people the chance of more precious time with friends and family.'
About 1,500 patients a year in England with multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer of the bone marrow, will benefit from the treatment, also known as Blenrep and made by GlaxoSmithKline.
Health officials said the drug would be offered to patients whose cancer had progressed or failed to respond to another first-line treatment.
Shelagh McKinlay, the director of research and advocacy at the blood cancer charity Myeloma UK, said it was fantastic to see the NHS become the first healthcare system in the world to roll out the drug.
'We have been working very hard for the last year to get this treatment approved and we know it will transform the lives of thousands of people with myeloma,' she said.
Paul Silvester, 60, from Sheffield, described the impact of the drug as amazing after he was diagnosed with myeloma in 2023. After the first treatment he received failed to stop his cancer progressing, he was given belantamab mafodotin through an early access programme at the Royal Hallamshire hospital.
'I feel like this treatment has brought the party balloons back in the house. It has been amazing – within the first two or three weeks, after the first dose, I was in remission,' he said.
Trials suggest the treatment, in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, delays progression of the disease by an average of three years, compared with one year for patients taking the commonly used drug daratumumab along with the other treatments.
Helen Knight, the director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: 'This recommendation demonstrates our commitment to getting the best care to patients fast, while ensuring value for the taxpayer.'
The health minister Karin Smyth said: 'This groundbreaking therapy puts the NHS at the forefront of cancer innovation. By harnessing cutting-edge 'Trojan horse' technology, we're offering new hope to blood cancer patients across the country.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Strictly's Anton Du Beke emotionally opens up on his wife's 'cruel and inexplicable' health condition that left them fearing they'd be unable to conceive children
Strictly's Anton Du Beke emotionally opens up on his wife's 'cruel and inexplicable' health condition that left them fearing they'd be unable to conceive children

Daily Mail​

time32 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Strictly's Anton Du Beke emotionally opens up on his wife's 'cruel and inexplicable' health condition that left them fearing they'd be unable to conceive children

Anton Du Beke has opened up on his wife Hannah Summers' 'cruel and inexplicable' health condition that left them fearing they'd be unable to have children. The Strictly Come Dancing star, 59, appeared on a recent episode of Giovanna Fletcher 's Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast where he discussed his wife's chronic battle with endometriosis and the affect it had on their journey to becoming parents. The couple, who married in 2017, eventually welcomed twins George and Henrietta through IVF that same year, having tried for many years to conceive. But before they started their family, Anton admitted that marketing executive Hannah had reservations about whether they'd be able to become parents at all thanks to the painful, debilitating condition. Speaking to Giovanna, he shared: 'I knew I wanted to be with her, I saw her with her nephews. She's so kind and so caring, I just couldn't understand the universe. 'And whoever is upstairs, if anyone's upstairs, looking down and going "you are the most perfect person to have children, but I'm not going to let you have any children because I'm going to give you this". 'And I'm going to say "you're going to have this endometriosis, and you're going to suffer with this all of your life, chronically, and I'm not going to let you have any children. 'I thought that was peculiar, cruel, and inexplicable and unforgivable. And if ever I go up to somewhere and meet this person I would say "I think you're not OK with decisions like this, this doesn't make any sense to me".' Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue - tissue similar to uterine lining - grows outside of the uterus, such as on the cervix, bladder, and ovaries, where it collects and thickens over the course of every menstrual cycle. The chronic pain of endometriosis stems from the tissue growing outside of the uterus, which breaks down with each menstrual cycle. It leads to inflammation and scar tissue binding to and stiffening organs, causing a pulling sensation and sharp, shooting pains. The pain can be unbearable for some women. A build up of scar tissue can block the fallopian tubes, as well as disrupt the hormone balance necessary for ovulation, making it impossible to conceive. The TV judge went on to heap praise on women for the things their bodies endure, before touching on his frustrations at not being able to help Hannah through the pain of going through IVF. Anton shared: 'Then we went through the process of IVF, well crying out loud. You girls are extraordinary. As much as I want to get involved, all I can do is hold your hand. 'It makes me emotional every time I talk about it. The injections, the stress, the anxiety. I have anxiety and stress but it's not my body. 'I thought that was peculiar, cruel, and inexplicable and unforgivable. And if ever I go up to somewhere and meet this person I would say "I think you're not OK with decisions like this' What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes Endometriosis can affect women of any age, but it's most common in women in their 30s and 40s. It's a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on your life, but there are treatments that can help. Source: NHS 'She has these injections and the bruises in the bum, in the thigh, in the stomach. And you're trying to help but what can you do? 'Whatever you want, tell me and I'll do it but that's all you have and it's horrendous as a man to watch it. 'You feel so inadequate and you want to do so much more but I can't do anything. And that's why you girls are so extraordinary, you're extraordinary that you do all this stuff.' Back in 2022, Anton reflected on his fertility struggles with wife Hannah as he detailed their 'boot camp' style IVF journey, after Hannah's long-term struggle with endometriosis. Speaking about parenthood on the Parenting Hell podcast, the Strictly judge revealed that Hannah is 'practically perfect' and the 'most incredible mum' calling the fact she couldn't conceive naturally 'the saddest irony.' He explained: 'She's everything I thought she would be. I thought she'd be an excellent mum, always knew she'd be a great mum but she couldn't have children. 'I thought isn't it funny how nature works in mysterious ways - the person I thought would be an incredible mum couldn't have children - that's the sad irony of it all. 'But as we had IVF we were able to have them in the end and I'm thrilled for me - because I'd have 100 [kids] by the way because I love them - but I'm thrilled for Hannah because she is amazing at it.'

‘Brave' doctor defies picket line to treat cancer patients after militant union BLOCKED tests as strike support plummets
‘Brave' doctor defies picket line to treat cancer patients after militant union BLOCKED tests as strike support plummets

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

‘Brave' doctor defies picket line to treat cancer patients after militant union BLOCKED tests as strike support plummets

THE militant BMA union refused a hospital's plea to allow a doctor to carry out potentially life saving cancer tests. But a hero doctor caught wind and crossed the picket line to help six men waiting for prostate biopsies. 6 6 Health Secretary Wes Streeting blasted the British Medical Association and praised the 'brave' doctor who broke ranks. Milton Keynes University Hospital trust was due to perform biopsies on the six men on Friday. But they faced cancellations after thousands of junior doctors, now called residents, walked out that morning in the long-running row over pay. The trust made a special patient safety request - a derogation - which allows striking doctors return to work if there is a risk to patient safety. The Sun on Sunday understands they were worried about the anxiety and mental health impact on the men who could face significant delays in finding out if they have cancer. Prostate cancer biopsies are also invasive and uncomfortable procedures. The request was signed off by NHS England but the BMA refused to bring anyone in because the request was based on anxiety rather than on clinical concerns, sources claimed. Fortunately, a resident doctor on the picket heard about the row and broke ranks to care for the men. And all six men had their biopsies that day as planned. Mr Streeting - who previously had kidney cancer - said it was 'completely unacceptable' for the BMA to dismiss the impact of a delayed diagnosis. He said: 'As someone who has been through it, I know all too well what a worrying time it can be while you are waiting to see if you will be diagnosed with cancer. NHS doctors strike again TODAY as they demand £600 a month pay hike in 'slap in face to taxpayers' 'Not knowing can be one of the most difficult periods. 'Patients concerned about whether they have cancer and their loved ones want the NHS to provide a diagnosis as quickly as possible. 'It is completely unacceptable for the BMA to dismiss the mental anguish a delayed diagnosis can have on people and families. 'I want to thank the brave resident doctor who broke the strike to ensure these men got the care they deserve.' Dr Victoria Alner, acting Chief Medical Officer at the trust, said: 'Thanks to our staff whose ongoing professionalism and support have enabled us to keep clinics running during the industrial action. 'Our priority is always to provide safe care, and we will continue to do our utmost to minimise disruption for patients.' This time round the NHS is trying to keep as many services as possible running. And the public is being urged to still come forward for care during the walkout. Mr Streeting said the government would "not let the BMA hold the country to ransom". 6 6 6 NHS England said hospitals are aiming to reschedule appointments cancelled due to strikes within two weeks. But Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's co-national medical director, warned this could have a knock-on impact for other patients. 'Even two weeks is too long for somebody to wait and actually that has an impact on the people who are then displaced at that two week period," she told BBC Breakfast. She apologised to patients facing delays, adding: 'I know that is extremely distressing when that happens, and it can potentially lead to both physical and psychological harm. So I am sorry.' 'People will die' By Len Read IVF pioneer and Labour peer Robert Winston has slammed the doctors' strike and said 'inevitably' a patient will die. The medics, members of the BMA union, walked out on Friday and are not due back until Wednesday morning. Lord Winston, 85, quit the organisation after 61 years, mainly due to his disgust at the industrial action. The BMA wants resident doctors to get a 29 per cent pay rise on top of an average increase of 28.9 per cent over the past three years. Lord Winston fumed: 'If this lasts long, somebody will die. Inevitably they will. Several people are going to have much worse chances of getting cancers treated, and some will be in pain. 'You simply can't allow disruption of services on this scale.' Prof Pandit said three derogations were granted on Friday. Nottingham City Hospital reached an agreement to call a striking doc back from the picket line because babies' lives were at risk. Exemptions were agreed for two doctors to return to the Northern General Hospital. Another agreement was made for two anaesthetists to work at University Hospital Lewisham on Saturday. And one registrar radiologist to cover the acute service at King's College Hospital. The number of resident doctors who have joined picket lines is thought to be down by thousands compared to last year's strikes. Labour handed them the biggest pay award of any public sector service with an average increase of 28.9 per cent over three years. But public support has fallen for the latest round strikes. Despite this, resident doctors are demanding a further 29 per cent rise. A BMA spokesperson said: "This service was not suitable for a derogation as the BMA assessed there was no urgent clinical need. "NHS England was repeatedly warned that encouraging non-urgent elective care would lead to last-minute cancellations - with patients bearing the brunt. "Despite this, they chose to press ahead. We remain focused on ensuring a safe service continues." 6 Leader'srant over Charles'crowning Exclusive by Emily-Jane Heap THE militant union boss at the centre of the resident doctor walkouts has described the King's coronation as 'unnecessary'. British Medical Association leader Tom Dolphin accused the Government of wasting £250million on the May 2023 ceremony. On the day Mr Dolphin, 46, posted: 'A quarter of a billion pounds of public money for an unnecessary and brief ceremony, but they can't find funds for NHS staff.' Critics pointed out that NHS England received more than £3billion per week in funding. They also highlighted how the coronation brought £350million to the hospitality sector while the investiture cost taxpayers £72million. It comes after Dolphin was blasted over resurfaced Brexit comments. In 2019, the London-based consultant anaesthetist criticised Tory MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith for calling Theresa May's request for a Brexit delay 'a national humiliation'. He said: 'This reminds me of the surveys on 'What do you fear most?' — where men say 'humiliation' and women say 'rape/assault'. It is high privilege to be able to conflate embarrassment with actual harm.' Another BMA figure, Dr Ross Nieuwoudt, once ran an IT firm called Spiteful Solutions, with one critic saying the name 'sounds very apt'.

Investigation launched into SNP ministers over huge eye operation delays as thousands of Scots are forced to go private
Investigation launched into SNP ministers over huge eye operation delays as thousands of Scots are forced to go private

Daily Mail​

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Investigation launched into SNP ministers over huge eye operation delays as thousands of Scots are forced to go private

An investigation has been launched into long waiting times for cataract surgery in light of MailOnline's revelations that thousands of hard-pressed Scots are having to go private. The Scottish Liberal Democrats are heaping pressure on SNP ministers after it was revealed 8,500 Scots were forced to raid their savings to pay for basic care last year – more than double those who went private in 2019. Nearly 19,000 people are stuck on NHS waiting lists for the eye op across Scotland – with one patient in NHS Grampian waiting for more than three years. Party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has now filed more than 20 written questions to the Scottish Government to uncover the reasons behind such long delays. He said: 'I'm pleased to see MailOnline drawing attention to this important issue and piling the pressure on the Scottish Government. Patients having to go private or facing waits of up to three years to be able to see again is simply not on. 'Ministers need to ensure that cataract surgery waits come down and people can get the care they need swiftly. I want these patients to know that I am on their side. These questions are part of an effort to get to the bottom of what is holding back patients from getting the care they need.' Mr Cole-Hamilton has asked about staffing levels, the reasons for waiting times, and what contact Health Secretary Neil Gray has had with NHS boards over the delays. Earlier this month, the party revealed figures showing the true scale of cataract surgery waiting times with NHS Grampian admitted that one person had been on their treatment list for 1,253 days. Delays recorded at other health boards include 869 days in NHS Shetland, 824 days in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 680 days in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, 644 days in NHS Borders, 548 days in NHS Fife, 532 days in NHS Lanarkshire and 508 days in NHS Highland. In total 18,956 Scots are on a cataract surgery waiting list, with the longest list in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, where 3,207 people have been referred. NHS Fife is second, with 2,440 patients waiting for the surgery. MailOnline's own investigation found 8,500 Scots paid for cataract ops out of their own pocket in 2024, more than double the 4,075 people forced to go private for the surgery in 2019. Grandfather David Samson from Tayport in Fife has been waiting more than 19 months for a cataract operation on his right eye. The 87-year-old was first diagnosed in January 2024 and was originally told he would be treated within 18 weeks. That then became 18 months – and later almost two years. Mr Samson, a former kitchen designer and builder, hopes to finally be seen at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital in October. He said: 'It's not affecting my driving yet but I am anxious about it. My condition is slowly getting worse.' Mr Samson has a relative in England with the same condition who expects to be treated in 16 weeks. He added: 'I am 87. When I'm in my box I want to see where I'm going.' A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said it hopes to cut surgery waiting lists to 52 weeks by the end of the financial year. Mr Cole-Hamilton added: 'Our NHS is being held back by neglect and mismanagement from SNP ministers. 'The SNP has repeatedly demonstrated that the NHS will never be its priority.' A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'This year, we are investing a record £21.7 billion in health and social care including £106 million to help health boards tackle the longest waits and deliver over 300,000 additional appointments. 'The Scottish Government is clear that no one should face a lengthy wait for important surgery and procedures.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store