Cancer stage 4C treatment in UK

Hi Medo,

This is just a short message to let you know that I have moved your question over from our Ask an Information and Support Adviser forum to our Ask a Nurse forum instead.

One of our qualified Cancer Information Nurse Specialists will be along as soon as they can to answer your query.

If you need any additional help or support in the meantime, don't forget you can always reach our various support teams by contacting the Macmillan Support Line on freephone 0808 808 00 00. They're open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

Hi Medo.

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. My name is Sherrye and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

I’m sorry to hear you are on treatment for stage 4C anaplastic cancer and the drugs you are currently having are Keytruda and Entrectinib. I understand you are moving to the UK and naturally want to continue your treatment.

Navigating healthcare when moving to another country can be worrying as of course you’ll want to avoid any delays in continuing your treatment. Firstly, you will need to register with a General Practitioner (GP)  as they are the first contact if you have a health problem. GP’s can treat many conditions, give health advice and refer you to other NHS services such as cancer care.

It would be helpful to bring copies of your medical notes with you so the GP can upload these to the system and learn more about you and your health. Please be aware that depending on where you are relocating from you may need another paperwork. This link may be helpful.

The GP can then refer you to the oncology department at the local NHS hospital and you will be accepted under the care of a cancer specialist for the type of cancer you have. They will then do a full assessment of you, the cancer and any treatment you’ve had already and discuss what treatment can be offered to you.

Cancer treatments for stage 4C anaplastic cancer can be different in the UK so you may not be offered the same regimen you are currently having. Cancer drugs that are offered under the NHS have to be licensed following clinical trials and a review process before being available on the NHS.

You may find it helpful when the time comes to prepare some questions before you meet the specialist, asking about your treatment options and ongoing care plan.

Some people find it helpful to talk things through, if this would be helpful for you do give us a call on the Macmillan Support Line. The number to use from outside the UK is +44 207 091 2230.

I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

Best wishes,

Sherrye H,

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), send us an email or contact us through webchat.

Ref SH/KHa

Hi Medo,

Thanks for getting back in touch. My name is Fiona and I’m one of the Macmillan cancer information nurses.

I appreciate you are keen to find out if your current treatment can continue when you return to the UK. As mentioned you would need to first register with a GP who will then refer you on to the necessary oncologist to review your medical records and discuss treatment plan from there. It might help to call and speak to the GP practice you intend to register with on your return.

This is a tricky question to answer Mohamed, as some targeted treatment options vary across the country. Although Entrectinib was approved funding by NICE in 2020, there is strict inclusion and prescribing criteria.  Current guidelines state pre-treatment scans must be done prior to the initial 12-week prescription with repeat scan at 10 weeks to review clinical response and decide if treatment will continue. It’s unclear what the prescribing guidance is when treatment has already started, and an individual request may need to be made by the oncologist.

If you know what hospital you are likely to be referred to – you can also try reaching out to one of the thyroid cancer specialists, via their secretary or email. This information can usually be found by looking on the website for the specific hospital or calling the hospital general switchboard.

I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

Best wishes,

Fiona P,

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. 

Ref: FP/KG