A pioneering targeted treatment for the most common type of bladder cancer has been confirmed by NHS and offers new hope to hundreds of patients.
The National Institute of Health and Care (NICE), also known as Balversa and produced by Johnson and Johnson, has recommended for some adult patients in the UK. The decision is expected to benefit about 420 people.
Erdafitinib is an oral drug taken once a day. This works by blocking specific proteins to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and is recommended to adults with metastatic or indescribable FGFR urinary cancer that have previously received at least one immunotherapy line that blocks the interaction between specific proteins.
According to the NHS, about 10,000 people with bladder cancer are diagnosed annually.
Urinary cancer in cells that form the inner bladder coating, urethra, urethra or kidney hip, the hollow part of each kidney is formed.
This accounts for about 90 percent of the total bladder cancers, according to Nice.
“It is happy that we have been able to recommend this effective and targeted treatment option to make a significant difference in people’s lives,” said Helen Knight.
“There are limited therapeutic options for this devastating and debilitating disease, which in many cases respond to poor immune therapeutic system, so I am sure it will be welcomed by patients,” he said.
“One of the benefits of this drug is that it can be taken in the convenience of patients’ home instead of having to travel to the hospital to receive treatment.”
Symptoms of bladder cancer
Nhs
Blood in your urine or bleeding is the most common symptom of bladder cancer.
The less common symptoms of bladder cancer include:
- Need to urinate repeatedly
- A sudden demand to urinate
- A burning sensation when passing through urine
Johnny Rigbi, Executive Director of Charity Charity, welcomed the good decision.
“There are very few treatments for bladder cancer in general, especially for people with advanced disease,” he said.
“It’s time for patients with bladder cancer to have a new treatment – we hope that this is just the beginning of new hope for people with bladder cancer and their families.”
