What has SMC said?
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted vorasidenib for the treatment of astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas (types of cancer of the brain) in adults and adolescents 12 years and older, who have had surgery and do not immediately need chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It is used for tumours that are mainly slow growing (grade 2), where the cancer cells have certain genetic changes (mutations) in genes called isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) or isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2).
This document summarises the SMC decision and what it means for patients.
You can find more detailed information about the SMC assessment of vorasidenib by looking at the SMC Detailed Advice Document (SMC2844).
What does SMC’s decision mean for patients?
Vorasidenib for use as described above is available for prescribing on the NHS in Scotland. Your healthcare professional can discuss with you if it is the right treatment for you or your child.
You can find more information about making decisions about your treatment here: Medicines in Scotland: What’s the right treatment for me?
More about SMC’s decision
SMC’s decision takes into account a confidential discount offered by the pharmaceutical company. SMC was also able to be more flexible* in its decision-making because the medicine is for a rare condition.
How does SMC make its decision?
SMC carefully considers every new medicine to make sure it benefits patients and is likely to be a good use of NHS resources.
To do this SMC studies the following:
- Evidence from the company about how well the medicine works compared with current treatments available in Scotland, in relation to how much they will cost to buy and use to treat patients.
- Information from patient groups about the potential impact of the medicine on patients and carers.
- Advice from healthcare professionals about any benefits of the new medicine compared to current treatment, along with how the new medicine is likely to be used.
When SMC assesses a medicine it takes account of the needs of all patients in NHSScotland, not only those who may be treated with the medicine.
You can find out more about how SMC decides here: https://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/how-we-decide/
More information and support
The organisations below can provide more information and support for people living with brain tumours and their families. SMC is not responsible for the content of any information provided by external organisations.
Astro Brain Tumour Fund
https://www.astrofund.org.uk
Brainstrust
https://brainstrust.org.uk
01983 292 405
Brain Tumour Research
https://braintumourresearch.org
The Brain Tumour Charity
https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org
0808 800 0004
The International Brain Tumour Alliance
https://theibta.org
You can find out more about vorasidenib (brand name: Voranigo®) in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) by searching for the medicine name on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) website.
https://products.mhra.gov.uk/