Pfizer's crizotinib not good value for NHS money, says NICE
September 25, 2013
NICE, the healthcare guidance body, has issued final guidance not recommending crizotinib (Xalkori, Pfizer) for previously treated anaplastic-lymphoma-kinase-positive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.
Commenting on the draft guidance, Sir Andrew Dillon, NICE Chief Executive, said: "Having already recommended a number of treatments for the various stages of non-small-cell lung cancer, we are disappointed not to be able to add crizotinib as a treatment option for patients. However, although the independent committee that considered the evidence found crizotinib to be clinically effective treatment for ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer, crizotinib could not be considered a cost-effective use of NHS resources, even when taking into consideration the manufacturer's patient access scheme."
Crizotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) - it works by blocking enzymes which can stimulate cancers to grow. Crizotinib blocks a specific enzyme called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) which is present in some non-small-cell lung cancers.
This guidance does not mean that people currently taking crizotinib will stop receiving it. They have the option to continue treatment until they and their clinicians consider it appropriate to stop.
Ends
Notes to Editors
About the guidance
1. The guidance will be available at from 25 September 2013. Embargoed copies of the guidance are available from the NICE press office on request.
2. Treatment with crizotinib resulted in a median gain of 5.1 months in progression free survival compared with docetaxel. The exact magnitude of the overall survival gain was uncertain because of the immaturity of the 1007 trial data and the impact of crossover in the trial
3. The Committee concluded that the cost per QALY on which to base a decision for crizotinib compared with docetaxel would be more than £100,000 per QALY gained, and for crizotinib compared with best supportive care would be more than £50,200 per QALY gained.
4. Acquisition cost is £4,689 for 1 pack of 60×200 mg (or 250 mg) capsules (30-day supply). Assuming treatment until disease progression, the cost of a course of treatment would be between £37,512 and £46,890. Assuming treatment after disease progression, the cost of a course of treatment would be £51,579.
5. During the consultation on the draft guidance, Pfizer, the manufacturer of the drug, submitted further information for the committee to consider. This included a patient access scheme which involves providing the drug to the NHS at a discounted price. A revised cost-effectiveness analysis was also submitted for the Committee to consider.
6. The Committee accepted that the supplementary advice from NICE for life-extending treatments could be considered for crizotinib compared with chemotherapy, even though there was considerable uncertainty in the exact overall survival gain, and therefore in the resulting ICER.
About NICE
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for driving improvement and excellence in the health and social care system. We develop guidance, standards and information on high-quality health and social care. We also advise on ways to promote healthy living and prevent ill health.
Formerly the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, our name changed on 1 April 2013 to reflect our new and additional responsibility to develop guidance and set quality standards for social care, as outlined in the Health and Social Care Act (2012).
Our aim is to help practitioners deliver the best possible care and give people the most effective treatments, which are based on the most up-to-date evidence and provide value for money, in order to reduce inequalities and variation.
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