Nivolumab for previously treated unresectable advanced or recurrent oesophageal cancer

2.1 Nivolumab (Opdivo, Bristol–Myers Squibb) as monotherapy is indicated 'for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma after prior fluoropyrimidine and platinum-based combination chemotherapy'.

2.2 The dosage schedule is available in the summary of product characteristics.

2.3 Nivolumab is available in 3 different sizes as a concentrate for solution for infusion vials. The cost varies according to vial size: £439 (40 mg per 4 ml), £1,097 (100 mg per 10 ml) and £2,633 (240 mg per 24 ml) (excluding VAT; BNF online, accessed October 2020). The cost for 1 dose of treatment is £2,633 (240 mg per 24 ml).

2.4 The company has a commercial arrangement. This makes nivolumab available to the NHS with a discount. The size of the discount is commercial in confidence. It is the company's responsibility to let relevant NHS organisations know details of the discount.