Guidance on the use of imatinib for chronic myeloid leukaemia

The total cost impact on the NHS will depend on the number of people eligible for first-line treatment with imatinib, the uptake of first-line treatment with imatinib and the incremental cost of imatinib.

The manufacturer estimated that the additional cost of imatinib treatment to the NHS (over and above current spending) would be around £2 million for the first year, rising to £15 million at 5 years. The analysis presented in the Assessment Report suggested slightly higher costs (between £4 million and £6 million in the first year, rising to between £16 million and £20 million at 5 years).