What has NICE said?
Bosutinib (Bosulif) is recommended as a possible treatment for adults with chronic myeloid leukaemia when:
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the leukaemia is Philadelphia chromosome positive
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they have previously had 1 or more tyrosine kinase inhibitor (drugs that slow or stop cancer growth) and
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the anticancer drugs imatinib, nilotinib and dasatinib are not appropriate.
If you have chronic myeloid leukaemia, and your doctor thinks that bosutinib is the right treatment, you should be able to have it on the NHS.
Bosutinib should be available on the NHS within 3 months.
The condition and the treatment
Chronic myeloid leukaemia is a cancer of a type of white blood cell (called myeloid cells). These cells multiply in an uncontrolled way and stop other blood cells working properly. Most people with chronic myeloid leukaemia have an abnormal chromosome called the Philadelphia chromosome in their cancer cells (known as Philadelphia chromosome positive disease).
Bosutinib blocks a protein called tyrosine kinase inside the cancer cells, helping to slow or stop the cancer growing for a time.
NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more.
These organisations can give you advice and support:
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Leukaemia CARE, 08088 010 444
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Bloodwise, 0207 504 2200
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Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Support Group (preferred contact method)
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Macmillan Cancer Support, 0808 808 0000
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Cancer Research UK Patient Information, 0808 800 4040
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-2005-1