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NICE, the healthcare guidance body, has today (11 May) published final guidance in which it recommends against the routine use of cabazitaxel (Jevtana, Sanofi) in combination with prednisone or prednisolone as a second line treatment for prostate cancer.

Commenting on the guidance Sir Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive of NICE said: “We need to be sure that new treatments provide sufficient benefits to patients to justify the significant resources the NHS would need to make available. Although cabazitaxel can extend life1 for some patients, its price remains well above what the independent Committee appraising this drug considered acceptable, given the benefits it offers. Cabazitaxel is also associated with a number of side effects2, and the Committee was concerned about the nature of the health-related quality of life information provided by the manufacturer.”

The Institute received one appeal on its final draft guidance for this appraisal. The appeal was dismissed on all points. When an appeal has dismissed, NICE always publishes guidance as soon as possible. This means that publication doesn't necessarily take place on the regular NICE publication day, which is the fourth Wednesday of each month.

• NICE Guidlines