NICE recommends Enhertu for HER2-low cancer

What was announced

NICE says it recommends Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) for adults with HER2-low advanced or metastatic breast cancer that has progressed after treatment. HER2 is a protein found on the surface of some breast cancer cells, and HER2-low describes cancers with a low level of it.

The recommendation appears in NICE's final draft guidance. NICE had earlier been unable to recommend the drug at the price the companies proposed.

NICE says a commercial solution has now been agreed. It followed changes to NICE's methods made as part of the UK/US Pharmaceutical Pricing Agreement.

What it means

A final draft recommendation is a step before final guidance. NICE's guidance page for the appraisal, TA1197, says it replaces earlier guidance (TA992), which had not recommended the drug.

The announcement concerns people whose breast cancer is advanced and has progressed after treatment. Treatment decisions for an individual are made by their cancer team. The site's breast cancer page explains the condition and how it is usually diagnosed and treated.