What has NICE said?
Necitumumab (Portrazza), given with 2 other drugs called gemcitabine and cisplatin, is not recommended for adults with locally advanced or metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing squamous non-small-cell lung cancer that has not already been treated with chemotherapy.
Necitumumab, given with gemcitabine and cisplatin, should not normally be prescribed on the NHS for locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-expressing squamous non-small-cell lung cancer that has not already been treated with chemotherapy. Your doctor should talk to you about other treatment options available to you.
If you are already taking necitumumab for this condition, you should be able to continue taking it until you and your doctor decide it is the right time to stop.
The condition and the treatment
Lung cancer is grouped into 2 main types depending on how it looks under the microscope: small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of non-small-cell lung cancer. Locally advanced or metastatic cancer means that it has spread to the surrounding tissues or other parts of the body. The cancer cells can be checked to see whether they are EGFR expressing. If they are, drugs that block the action of EGFR are more likely to have an anticancer effect.
Necitumumab is an anticancer drug and works by blocking the action of EGFR. Gemcitabine and cisplatin are also anticancer drugs.
NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more. These organisations can give you advice and support:
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British Lung Foundation, 0207 688 5555
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Cancer Research UK, 0808 800 4040
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Macmillan Cancer Support, 0808 808 0000
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Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, 0333 323 7200
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.