Hundreds of bladder cancer patients in England are set to benefit from a newly approved targeted treatment, as the NHS gives the green light to erdafitinib—an innovative drug designed to slow the spread of the most common form of bladder cancer.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has officially recommended the use of erdafitinib, marketed as Balversa and manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, for adult patients with FGFR-altered urothelial cancer. The once-daily oral medication will be offered to patients whose cancer is metastatic or unresectable and who have already received at least one course of immunotherapy. An estimated 420 people annually in England are expected to qualify for this treatment.
Erdafitinib works by blocking fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), proteins that contribute to the growth and spread of cancer cells. This targeted approach aims to halt disease progression in patients who previously had limited treatment options, especially when immunotherapy failed to deliver effective results.
Bladder Cancer Affects Thousands in the UK Each Year
Bladder cancer is diagnosed in approximately 10,000 people annually in the UK. Urothelial cancer, which originates in the lining of the bladder and urinary tract, accounts for around 90% of all bladder cancer cases. Symptoms often include blood in urine (haematuria), frequent urination, sudden urges to urinate, and pain or burning during urination.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, praised the approval as a major milestone for cancer treatment: “We are pleased to recommend this effective, targeted treatment which will make a significant difference to people’s lives. One major advantage of this drug is that it can be taken at home, reducing the need for hospital visits.”
Patient Advocacy Groups Applaud Decision
The decision has been warmly welcomed by advocacy organisations. Jeannie Rigby, CEO of Action Bladder Cancer UK, said: “There are very few treatments available for bladder cancer, especially for advanced cases. This approval marks a new chapter of hope for patients and their families.”
The approval of erdafitinib reflects the growing focus on precision medicine within the NHS, offering patients more personalised and less invasive treatment options in their battle against cancer.
