Liposomal cytarabine–daunorubicin for untreated acute myeloid leukaemia

1.1 Liposomal cytarabine–daunorubicin is recommended, within its marketing authorisation, as an option for untreated therapy-related acute myeloid leukaemia or acute myeloid leukaemia with myelodysplasia-related changes in adults. It is recommended only if the company provides it according to the commercial arrangement.

Why the committee made these recommendations

Current treatment for therapy-related acute myeloid leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia with myelodysplasia-related changes is chemotherapy. Clinical trial evidence shows that people having liposomal cytarabine–daunorubicin live longer than people having standard chemotherapy.

Liposomal cytarabine–daunorubicin meets NICE's criteria for being a life-extending treatment at the end of life. Using the most plausible assumptions and the price discount, the cost-effectiveness estimates of liposomal cytarabine–daunorubicin compared with standard chemotherapy are within the range that NICE normally considers a cost-effective use of NHS resources for end-of-life treatments. So liposomal cytarabine–daunorubicin is recommended.