National clinical director for cancer at NHS England, Prof Peter Johnson, said: “The life-extending treatment available on the NHS within weeks will mean thousands of men can kick-start their year with the news that they will have a better chance of living longer and healthier lives.
“The NHS will continue to work hard to offer people the most effective and evidence-based treatments, with several new prostate cancer drugs rolled over the last five years.”
Health and social care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “When you’re living with prostate cancer, every day with your loved ones matters.
“I’m delighted the NHS have taken the steps needed to make the drug available, giving thousands of men access to abiraterone – a treatment that significantly improves survival rates and can give patients precious extra years of life.”
Responding to the news, STAMPEDE trial co-lead Prof Gert Attard, at the UCL Cancer Institute, said: “This is a hugely welcome moment for patients. Our research showed clearly that abiraterone can save lives when offered earlier to men at high risk of their cancer spreading.
“Funding for this disease indication is already available in Scotland and Wales, so we are delighted that NHS England has acted on this evidence and will now make this highly effective treatment routinely available.”
Prostate Cancer UK is engaging with the decision-makers in Northern Ireland to try to ensure that they rapidly follow suit.
The charity said it was writing to politicians in Northern Ireland to press the government in Stormont.
Stormont has yet to comment on any plans to change how abiraterone is prescribed.
