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<p>The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published technology
appraisal guidance in June 2012 which recommends abiraterone (Zytiga) in its licensed
indication for the treatment of castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer previously
treated with a docetaxel-containing regimen, subject to a patient access scheme agreed
between the Department and the drug's manufacturer.</p><p> </p><p>NICE is currently
appraising abiraterone for the treatment of metastatic hormone relapsed prostate cancer
not previously treated with chemotherapy and has not yet published final guidance
for the National Health Service. We understand that NICE has recently consulted on
its draft guidance for this indication, which can be found at:</p><p> </p><p>http://guidance.nice.org.uk/TAG/434/Consultation/Latest</p><p>
</p><p>NHS commissioners are legally required to fund those treatments recommended
by NICE in its technology appraisal guidance.</p><p> </p><p>In the absence of NICE
technology appraisal guidance it is for the relevant NHS commissioner to make funding
decisions based on an assessment of the available evidence. The NHS Constitution states
that patients have the right to expect local decisions on the funding of drugs and
treatments 'to be made rationally following a proper consideration of the evidence'.</p><p>
</p><p>We understand that abiraterone as a first-line treatment is available through
the Cancer Drugs Fund to NHS patients in England who could benefit from it.</p><p>
</p><p>We are unable to provide copies of the correspondence requested in the time
available and this information will be placed in the Library in due course.</p><p>
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