Clinical statement about the NICE draft guidance on the use of lapatinib and trastuzumab

Responding to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) draft guidance which proposes to advise the NHS that lapatinib or trastuzumab with aromatase inhibitors should not be prescribed for a particular type and stage of breast cancer, Carolyn Rogers, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Care said:

'This draft guidance by NICE proposes to advise the NHS that two targeted therapies, lapatinib or trastuzumab, given alongside aromatase inhibitors should not be given as a first treatment option to those with secondary breast cancer.* However, if women are already receiving either option when the final guidance is published, they should be able to continue treatment until their doctor considers it appropriate to stop. 

'Whilst evidence suggests that the clinical benefit of this drug combination may be very small,  even a minor clinical benefit can be extremely important for the patient, and this is especially the case for people living with secondary (advanced) breast cancer, whose treatment options are limited.

'At Breast Cancer Care we support many people living with secondary breast cancer. For more information on treatment options available to women with secondary breast cancer you can call Breast Cancer Care’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 6000 or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk'

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Notes to editors:

For further media information, please contact Laura Ellis laura.ellis@breastcancercare.org.uk or 0207 960 3505

* A diagnosis of secondary breast cancer means that cells from the primary breast cancer have spread to other parts of the body (often the lungs, liver or bones) and the cancer has become incurable.  For some people, the symptoms can be managed relatively well and they may live with the disease for a number of years. However, many people with secondary breast cancer experience a real sense of isolation. They often have ongoing symptoms such as pain and fatigue while living with uncertainty day to day, thinking about their family’s future, and making difficult decisions about end-of-life care.

Breast Cancer Care is here for anyone affected by breast cancer. We bring people together, provide information and support, and campaign for improved standards of care. We use our understanding of people's experience of breast cancer and our clinical expertise in everything we do.