WIREDGOV

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has today (25 March 2009) issued final guidance recommending the use of sunitinib as a first-line treatment option for people with advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma who are suitable for immunotherapy and who are well enough to tolerate the treatment.

Andrew Dillon, NICE Chief Executive said: Following extensive consultation, I’m very pleased that we are now able to issue this important guidance in its final form.”

Notes to editors

About this appraisal

1. The guidance on first line use of sunitinib has been developed on the understanding that the currently available treatment for advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma is immunotherapy (namely interferon-alfa and interleukin-2). The Institute recognises that there are people who have had or who are currently receiving immunotherapy and wish to clarify the implications of the guidance for these people. Sunitinib can be considered as a treatment option for those people with advanced and/or metastatic RCC who are currently receiving immunotherapy or who have had immunotherapy before the release of our final recommendations to ensure they are not disadvantaged by our proposed guidance.

2. NICE has been appraising the use of bevacizumab, sorafenib, sunitinib and temsirolimus for the treatment of advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Following the independent advisory Committee meeting on 14 January 2009 NICE has decided to split this appraisal in two in order to get guidance out to the NHS as quickly as possible.

3. NICE is also appraising the use of bevacizumab, sorafenib and temsirolimus for first-line treatment options for advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma and the two drugs also licensed for second-line treatment of advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma, sorafenib and sunitinib, guidance is expected to be published later this year.

About NICE

4. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health.

5. NICE produces guidance in three areas of health:

• public health – guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention of ill health for those working in the NHS, local authorities and the wider public and voluntary sector
• health technologies – guidance on the use of new and existing medicines, treatments and procedures within the NHS
• clinical practice – guidance on the appropriate treatment and care of people with specific diseases and conditions within the NHS