Drug For Rare Eye Cancer: A groundbreaking treatment is set to become available for hundreds of patients in England diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer.
The drug, known as Tebentafusp (marketed under the name Kimmtrak), assists the immune system in identifying and eliminating cancer cells by binding to specific proteins on their surface and activating T-cells, a type of white blood cell.
Drug For Rare Eye Cancer, The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) announced this development for patients suffering from uveal melanoma, a rare cancer originating in the middle layer of the eye. This cancer affects an estimated 500–600 people annually in the UK. Once it spreads to vital organs, it is almost invariably fatal.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended Tebentafusp for patients whose cancer is inoperable or has metastasized to other parts of the body. However, eligibility for this treatment requires a blood test to determine the presence of specific genetic markers. Approximately 100 patients are expected to qualify annually.
Breakthrough Drug For Rare Eye Cancer; A Personal Victory In The Fight Against Uveal Melanoma
Drug For Rare Eye Cancer, Joanne Foster, a 57-year-old from Newcastle, was diagnosed with uveal melanoma in 2013. Last year, after her cancer spread to her lungs and kidneys, she accessed Tebentafusp through a special support program.
“Over the past decade, I’ve undergone treatments and even had my eye removed,” Foster shared. “This journey has been physically and emotionally grueling, especially without a clear treatment path forward. The availability of Tebentafusp through the NHS feels like the best Christmas gift imaginable. While I know it’s not a permanent cure, it has shrunk my kidney tumors and halted the progression of cancer in my lungs. This has given me invaluable extra time to be with my family and loved ones.”
How Tebentafusp Works
Drug For Rare Eye Cancer, Tebentafusp targets cancer cells by binding to surface proteins on these cells and T-cells, enabling the immune system to identify and destroy the malignancies. This mechanism slows the progression of the disease and provides new hope for patients.
Clinical Trial Results
Drug For Rare Eye Cancer, Clinical trials have shown that Tebentafusp significantly improves survival outcomes. Patients treated with the drug had a 27% chance of surviving three years after treatment, compared to 18% with current standard therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors.
On average, patients receiving Tebentafusp lived for 21.6 months, compared to 16.9 months for those treated with conventional methods.
Drug For Rare Eye Cancer, This groundbreaking treatment, now available through the NHS, marks a significant milestone in managing uveal melanoma. It offers hope and extends the lives of patients facing this challenging diagnosis.
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