Trials of enzalutamide found that those with advanced cancer (metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have previously received docetaxel), had their lives extended by an average of five months.
Experts say that the new drug will allow patients who have failed to respond to hormonal treatments and chemotherapy to enjoy a high quality of life during their final months.
The treatment is currently available in England through the cancer drugs fund
Professor Johann de Bono, Professor of Experimental Cancer Medicine at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Enzalutamide is a much-needed development in prostate cancer treatment, and will provide a new option for the increasing number of men with advanced prostate cancer in the UK.
“Enzalutamide has already demonstrated a positive impact on quality of life while increasing the lifespan of patients. Its use will bring significant benefits.”
Patients wishing to access it privately will face a bill of around £3,000 a month.
Seizure is a side-effect but in less than 1 per cent of cases. All cases were resolved.