NICE does not recommend Revlimid for myelodysplastic syndromes

The healthcare guidance body, NICE, has issued new draft guidance that does not recommend lenalidomide (Revlimid, Celgene), for treating myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

The FDA approved the treatment in June as a supplemental treatment for mantle-cell lymphoma. This followed Chinese approval with an import license in February.

Myelodysplastic syndromes, a group of bone marrow disorders characterised by the underproduction of one or more types of blood cells due to dysfunction of the marrow, are diagnosed in around 2000 people each year in England.

This appraisal focuses on the specific use of lenalidomide for those with a type of MDS that is characterised by a chromosomal abnormality called a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality.

"Azacitidine was the first drug developed specifically for treating MDS and it is recommended for use on the NHS by NICE. However, at the moment, for patients with this particular kind of MDS, the main treatment option is best supportive care, which includes blood transfusions."

Sir Andrew Dillon, NICE Chief Executive

Sir Andrew commented that the drug would result in patients spending less time in hospital, however, that the data provided by the manufacturer showed uncertainty about whether lenalidomide actually extended these patients' lives.

After a consultation process the draft guidance, if confirmed, will result in Revlimid not being recommended for use in the NHS.

Reference links:

NICE consults on a new treatment for myelodysplastic syndromes (Press release)