SMC approve pembroliziumab for adjuvant treatment for resected stage 2B or 2C melanoma
Melanoma Focus are delighted with the news that the SMC have approved the recommendation of pembrolizumab as an option for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected stage 2B or 2C melanoma in people 12 years and over in Scotland.
Our CEO, Susanna Daniels welcomed the news:
“Over 1200 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year in Scotland. Fear of recurrence of cancer is also a huge emotional burden for patients and families and in particular for the growing population of melanoma patients who are diagnosed at a younger age with the majority of their life ahead of them. It is a mark of how far we have come in recent years that we can now improve survival and significantly reduce those fears. I am thrilled that the SMC have recognised the value this treatment adds for adolescent and adult patients with high-risk stage 2 melanoma by reducing the likelihood of recurrence, and that it will now be available on a routine basis in Scotland.”
News Coverage:
The Sunday Post: https://www.sundaypost.com/news/scottish-news/smc-approves-new-treatments-for-breast-cancer-and-melanoma-sufferers/
Press and Journal: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/news/scotland/5600458/smc-approves-new-treatments-for-breast-cancer-and-melanoma-sufferers/
The Hearald Scot: https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/23446269.breast-cancer-patients-get-enhertu-nhs-scotland/
We have recently updated our illustrative visuals to explain the potential benefit of adjuvant treatment for 2B and stage 2C melanoma (recently approved by NICE TA837): see here.