New medicines approved to treat prostate and liver cancers in Scotland

Two new medicines have been approved to help treat prostate and liver cancer patients in Scotland.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) announced it had recommended two treatments for the diseases.

Talazoparib (known under the brand name Talzenna), used together with enzalutamide, was accepted for the treatment of adults with prostate cancer.

Cabozantinib (also known under the brand name Cabozantinib Ipsen) was also accepted for the treatment of adults with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer.

The SMC said it would only be available to those who had already received a previous treatment.

The body said it had rejected two other medicines, including ripretinib (known under the brand name Qinlock) for adults with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours (Gist), a rare type of cancer of the digestive system.

Spesolimab (also known as Spevigo) was rejected as a treatment for flare-ups of generalised pustular psoriasis, a rare, severe inflammatory skin condition.

SMC chair Dr Scott Muir said: “The committee is pleased to be able to accept two new medicines for use by NHS Scotland.

“Talazoparib and cabozantanib offer additional oral treatment options for prostate cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma respectively.

“The committee was not able to accept ripretinib for treating patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours as there was uncertainty around cost-effectiveness in relation to health benefits.

“We would welcome a resubmission from the company addressing the uncertainties we have raised.

“The committee was also unable to accept spesolimab for the treatment of flare-ups of generalised pustular psoriasis due to uncertainties in the evidence when compared to current treatments.

“We would welcome a resubmission from the company addressing the issues we have raised.”