Devastating news for cancer patients as the NHS drops a crucial treatment! Paul Madley, 66, from Cardiff, is heartbroken after the life-saving cancer therapy that helped him beat stage four mantle cell lymphoma was removed from the NHS offerings in Wales and England. Diagnosed in 2021, Paul reached remission thanks to Tecartus in 2024, but Nice, the NHS spending watchdog, has now halted its use, calling the therapy “not effective enough in real-world practice.”
Imagine battling cancer, getting a second chance with an innovative treatment, and then being told it’s no longer available. That’s Paul’s reality. This therapy, Tecartus, engineers your immune cells to fight cancer and was the only Car T-cell therapy option for mantle cell lymphoma, impacting around 600 people annually in the UK.
Nice’s decision sent shockwaves through the health community, prompting an appeal from Blood Cancer UK, Lymphoma Action, and the Anthony Nolan charity. Blood Cancer UK’s Dr Rubina Ahmed voiced her concerns, stating this therapy was often a last hope for many patients. The removal is seen as a significant setback for NHS care.
Emily John from Anthony Nolan shared insights into the profound impact Tecartus has had. Meanwhile, Lymphoma Action’s Ropinder Gill reported a surge in concerns from worried patients.
Nice’s response recognises the emotional impact of their decision but stands by their findings on the treatment’s limited effectiveness. They’re evaluating new therapies that might fill this void, such as sonrotoclax and acalabrutinib. But for now, this decision has left many patients feeling stranded.
Paul’s story is a reminder of the fragile nature of healthcare advancements. As he enjoys his renewed life—walking his dog, playing golf, and working part-time—we’re left hoping for a speedy solution for countless others in his shoes. 🙏✨