The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has just approved a new drug for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Enzalutamide (brand name Xtandi®) can help to slow progression and improve the quality of life for some patients with incurable prostate cancer. The approval means that this new treatment is now available through NHS Scotland.
The drug is used in conjunction with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), to treat patients whose prostate cancer responds to hormones (HSPC). It works by blocking the action of testosterone and other male hormones on prostate cancer cells, slowing their growth.
Further details on the approval can be found here: Enzalutamide Decision Explained