National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended  cemiplimab as an option to treat recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer that has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy in adults, on the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales, if they have not had immunotherapy; treatment is stopped after 16 cycles (each lasting 6 weeks), or earlier if the cancer progresses or there is unacceptable toxicity and the company provides cemiplimab according to the commercial arrangement.

The recommendation applies irrespective of tumour PD-L1 expression, meaning patients can access cemiplimab regardless of this biomarker.

While outcomes have improved for earlier‑stage cervical cancer, treatment options remain limited once the disease becomes recurrent, persistent or metastatic, where prognosis is often poor. Cervical cancer continues to pose a significant health challenge, with around 3,300 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK and incidence rates being the highest in women aged 35-39.

“Despite our established screening and vaccination programmes, cervical cancer is still a significant health burden,” said Dr. Gemma Eminowicz, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at University College London Hospital. “The most important area of unmet need is in advanced disease where we have very limited treatment options. This positive NICE recommendation for cemiplimab gives us access to an additional treatment option for eligible women living with advanced cervical cancer, helping improve quality of life for these patients.”

“We are delighted that eligible patients with advanced relapsed cervical cancer– including women in their 30s, often mothers or those planning families – can now access cemiplimab on the NHS, and we appreciate our collaboration with NICE throughout the appraisal process,” said James Winterman, UK Country Manager, Regeneron. “Regeneron remains dedicated to collaborating with the NHS, clinicians, and patient organisations to help enhance outcomes for individuals impacted by cancers with significant unmet needs.”

Source: Regeneron