Olaparib (Lynparza®) will be available long term on the NHS in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, from the second line of ovarian cancer treatment. This means that for anyone with a BRCA gene variation that they can now access this maintenance treatment if they have a recurrence.
Who does this impact?
Today’s announcement from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) means that those living in England, Northern Ireland and Wales with a BRCA gene variation can continue to access olaparib from the second line of treatment. This is already available to those living in Scotland.
Ensuring everyone has the best possible treatment, targeted to their needs
Since 2008, we've been campaigning and funding research so that everyone with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer can access the best possible treatment, targeted to their needs, no matter what stage of their treatment pathway.
Chief Executive at Target Ovarian Cancer, Annwen Jones OBE said:
Earlier this year, we attended a NICE committee meeting to present your stories, evidencing the first-hand impact the decision to make this treatment available long term has on those living with ovarian cancer now, and in the future. We're delighted to hear today’s announcement and to have played a part in making sure it’s available. This means there is some certainty for anyone with a BRCA gene variation who may experience a recurrence, that access to treatment will be maintained. We've come far in the past few years in terms of making treatment more accessible and widely available, but we know we can go further with more investment and research. Everyone diagnosed deserves the best possible treatment and outcomes.
“More research is needed.”
A variation in the BRCA genes account for around 13% of all cases of ovarian cancer. Research has shown that olaparib is an effective maintenance drug for those with a BRCA variation and today’s announcement provides certainty for the future.
Susannah, from London, was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer and experienced a recurrence in 2020, when she underwent chemotherapy and surgery. She has the BRCA gene variation and accessed olaparib from second-line treatment. She said:
Target Ovarian Cancer’s research into newer and better treatments for ovarian cancer has never been more needed. It’s so important to me to be able to take olaparib, one of the newer maintenance treatments, and I want to see more women get access to this type of treatment. Research is the only way we’ll find more of them.
