NICE Endorses Kimmtrak as First Treatment for Aggressive Eye Cancer

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has given the green light for Immunocore’s Kimmtrak (tebentafusp) to be the first approved drug specifically designed to treat a particularly aggressive type of eye cancer. This development marks a significant milestone, allowing the drug to be made available through the NHS in England. It targets HLA-A*02:01-positive adults who suffer from unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma, a condition expected to affect over 100 patients annually.

Uveal melanoma, though rare, is a severe and aggressive form of melanoma that affects the eye. Unfortunately, up to 50% of those diagnosed may eventually see the cancer spread to other parts of their body, turning into metastatic disease, which has historically had a grim prognosis due to the lack of approved treatments. Kimmtrak changes this landscape by offering a new line of defense against this formidable disease.

Administered through a weekly intravenous infusion, Kimmtrak operates uniquely by creating a link between certain proteins found on melanoma cancer cells and T-cells from the patient’s immune system. This connection enables the immune system to target and destroy the cancer cells, thereby slowing the cancer's progression.

This innovative approach employs technology not previously used in cancer treatments and has been made available through NHS England’s Cancer Drugs Fund, facilitating a quicker introduction of new cancer therapies.

The approval from NICE was heavily influenced by clinical trial outcomes, which demonstrated a notable improvement in survival rates. Patients who receive Kimmtrak have a 27% chance of surviving three years post-treatment, which is a considerable increase from the 18% survival rate for those undergoing standard checkpoint inhibitor treatments. Additionally, Kimmtrak was shown to extend the average overall survival time by nearly five months in comparison to the standard treatment, moving from 16.9 months to 21.6 months.

Peter Johnson, the NHS's national clinical director for cancer, expressed his optimism regarding this new treatment option. He emphasized the challenge of treating this melanoma once it has spread, and highlighted the significance of the NHS being able to offer a pioneering treatment that can prolong lives and provide patients with more precious time with their loved ones.

The uveal melanoma community has warmly welcomed this recommendation. Jo Gumbs, the chief executive officer and founder of Ocular Melanoma UK, hailed it as a “groundbreaking moment” for those contending with metastatic uveal melanoma. Similarly, Susanna Daniels, chief executive officer of Melanoma Focus, echoed these sentiments, noting that the ability to prescribe Kimmtrak represents a substantial shift for patients and their families. She also emphasized the ongoing support for ensuring that the therapy is reimbursed across the UK for all eligible patients.