Niraparib is currently being evaluated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for use in routine commissioning – meaning it becomes routinely available on the NHS – in those with platinum-sensitive high-grade serous epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer in the recurrent setting. We are aware there has been some uncertainty surrounding the availability of niraparib as a result.

Below is an explanation of the changes and how they may or may not impact various groups in our community:

• Niraparib is currently being evaluated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for use in routine commissioning in patients with platinum-sensitive high-grade serous epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer that has responded to the most recent course of platinum-based chemotherapy. The appraisal covers the following two groups of patients -
  
  
• Those who have a germline BRCA mutation and are on their second line of treatment (have had 2 courses of platinum-based chemotherapy) or
  
  
• Those who do not have a germline BRCA mutation and have had 2 or more courses of platinum-based chemotherapy
  
  
• A second NICE Appraisal Committee meeting took place on 5^th October 2021. We are pleased that consideration is being given to the use of niraparib in all second line patients irrespective of germline BRCA mutation status.
  
  
• It is important to stress that new and continuing patients (either with or without a BRCA mutation) maintain access to niraparib treatment at this time.
  
  
• Regardless of the final NICE Committee Decision, patients currently receiving niraparib in a second line setting will continue to have their treatment funded as long as clinically indicated (this is a condition of the initial positive Cancer Drugs Fund recommendation that ongoing funding of treatment is provided by the manufacturer).
  
  
• Niraparib continues to be funded through the Cancer Drugs Fund for use in the first line setting. First line use of niraparib is not in scope for the ongoing NICE appraisal, which is in the second line setting only.

 

If you have questions or want further clarification, please call our support line on 0800 008 7054, email us at [email protected] , or use the instant chat function on our website www.ovacome.org.uk .