Cancer survival lottery intensifies as NICE says 'no' to Opdivo for kidney cancer patients

Medicines cost-effectiveness watchdog for England and Wales, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), has today issued draft guidance for the use of Opdivo (nivolumab) for previously treated advanced renal cell carcinoma in adults, saying it does not recommend this Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) drug for this kidney cancer indication.

The NICE appraisal committee reviewed the data available on the clinical and cost effectiveness of nivolumab, having considered evidence on the nature of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and the value placed on the benefits of nivolumab by people with the condition, those who represent them, and clinical experts. It also took into account the effective use of NHS resources. The committee found there was substantial uncertainty about the extent of the survival benefit of nivolumab when measured over the long term.

Responding to the NICE decision, Bristol-Myers Squibb said today’s decision will intensify the inconsistencies in access to nivolumab in the UK. Moreover, the company said that the recommendation highlights the limitations of the current processes for accessing first in class medicines on the National Health Service (NHS). The NICE has approved nivolumab for patients with advanced skin cancer, but looks set to deny it to those with advanced lung and kidney cancer.