New drug approved for advanced bowel cancer patients in Scotland

We're pleased to see the news that the National Cancer Medicines Advisory Group (NCMAG) has approved the use of the drug bevacizumab (Avastin and biosimilars), alongside chemotherapy, for first- and second-line treatment for advanced bowel cancer in Scotland. 

Bevacizumab received a licence to treat bowel cancer almost 20 years ago but was considered not to be cost-effective in both Scotland and England, so has not been routinely available to patients in the UK. 

This new guidance means that bevacizumab may now be routinely accessed by a higher number of advanced bowel cancer patients in Scotland, potentially benefiting hundreds more people and offering patients greater consistency of care. 

Dr Lisa Wilde, Director of Research, Policy and Influencing at Bowel Cancer UK, says:

“We’re pleased that NCMAG has approved bevacizumab for first- and second-line treatment in combination with chemotherapy for advanced bowel cancer in Scotland. 

“This decision expands treatment options and could offer patients precious extra time with their loved ones. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this appraisal by sharing their personal experiences. Their voices have been vital in helping to shape this outcome. 

"While this consultation focuses only on Scotland, this positive result may help the case for bevacizumab becoming more widely available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We hope patients in these parts of the UK will soon be able to access it too. 

“We're part of an ongoing consultation with NICE regarding bevacizumab’s use in England and will keep you up to date on any developments.” 

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