Nivolumab recommended as first immunotherapy for patients with unresectable advanced OSCC who have failed chemotherapy

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued a Final Appraisal Document recommending nivolumab, also known as Opdivo, as the first immuno-oncology monotherapy for the treatment of unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell cancer (OSCC) in England, in patients who have previously failed chemotherapy. “With treatment options limited to chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, NICE’s recommendation is a landmark decision for advancing treatment and care in unresectable advanced oesophageal squamous cell cancer, by providing access to nivolumab to those who urgently need it,” commented Elizabeth Smyth, Consultant in gastrointestinal oncology at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge (UK)...