NICE approves life-extending therapy for HER2-low advanced breast cancer
NICE has recommended the breast cancer treatment Enhertu for use on the NHS in England for people with HER2-low advanced breast cancer.
Enhertu, also known as trastuzumab deruxtecan, is a targeted treatment for breast cancer that cannot be removed surgically or has spread to other parts of the body.
Around 1,000 women in England are expected to be eligible for the treatment. NICE had previously decided in 2024 that Enhertu was not cost effective for this group, but a new commercial agreement and changes to its assessment methods have enabled the treatment to be recommended.
Clinical trial results found that people receiving Enhertu had a median overall survival of 23.9 months, compared with 17.5 months for those receiving chemotherapy.
Enhertu is the first licensed targeted treatment for HER2-low breast cancer in this setting.
Access across the UK
Scotland approved Enhertu for HER2-low unresectable or metastatic breast cancer in December 2023.
In Wales, NICE technology appraisal recommendations are normally required to be made available within 60 days.
Northern Ireland has a separate process for endorsing NICE technology appraisals. The new recommendation will therefore require local endorsement before becoming part of routine NHS provision.