Hi. My oncologist recommended adding Trodelvy to my chemo. I'm on 1st line treatment for stage 4 breast cancer. He said it's not available on NHS as first line. How do i find out how to get this and how much it is? Thank you. Heather x
Hi. My oncologist recommended adding Trodelvy to my chemo. I'm on 1st line treatment for stage 4 breast cancer. He said it's not available on NHS as first line. How do i find out how to get this and how much it is? Thank you. Heather x
Hi Heather,
Thanks for getting in touch, and welcome to our online community.
It’s understandable to have questions about accessing a drug which is not available on the NHS, especially when it’s been recommended by your oncologist.
Your oncologist probably explained that Trodelvy has only recently been approved for routine use on the NHS.
Before this could happen, the drug was authorised by the European Medicines Agency. They explain that it can be used in patients who have had two or more prior systemic (whole body) treatments such as chemotherapy or targeted cancer drugs, including at least one of them for advanced disease.
This means it may not be available, even privately, as first line treatment. We’d recommend that you get back in touch with your oncologist as they are best placed to say whether this drug might be an appropriate treatment for you. And if it is, they can advise how they may be able to prescribe it for you.. Sometimes drugs can be prescribed off label (given for conditions that they are not approved for if a doctor thinks they may be helpful in your case), or an individual funding request can be made in exceptional circumstances. This section of the Cancer Research UK website gives information about the drug development process and access to cancer treatments.
Unfortunately, we can’t say how much it might cost to have Troveldy outside the NHS. The BNF only provide an NHS indicative price, and I haven’t been able to find any other information about the price of this drug.
For general information about private hospitals, the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) is an independent, government mandated organisation. They provide some information about fees that may be charged by private consultants and hospitals.
I hope this is helpful.
If you’d like to give us a call on the Support Line to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Sending best wishes,
Carole, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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