The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published final guidance recommending a new combination treatment for advanced lung cancer on the NHS in England, marking a significant reversal from its previous draft position. This decision follows a comprehensive consultation process and careful evaluation of clinical evidence regarding the drug combination's effectiveness and value.
Expanding Treatment Options for Hundreds of Patients
According to the newly released guidance, approximately 1,100 people in England with a specific form of untreated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer are set to benefit from this development. The treatment combines amivantamab with lazertinib and targets patients with EGFR mutation-positive advanced disease who have not received prior systemic therapy for their metastatic condition.
From Rejection to Recommendation
This approval represents a notable shift in NICE's assessment of the treatment. In July 2025, the organisation published draft guidance stating that "amivantamab plus lazertinib should not be used routinely in the NHS in England" due to insufficient evidence regarding its cost-effectiveness. The draft guidance explicitly noted that the treatment combination was "not required to be funded in the NHS in England" at that time.
The reversal came after NICE embarked on a consultation process to gather additional evidence and perspectives. During this consultation, clinical trial data demonstrated that the drug combination could significantly delay disease progression and potentially extend survival compared to existing treatment options currently available within the healthcare system.
Treatment Administration and Availability
The treatment regimen involves two components with different administration methods. Lazertinib is typically taken as a daily oral tablet, while amivantamab is normally administered through intravenous infusion. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency originally approved this combination therapy for these specific patients in March of the previous year.
While the treatment was already accessible through the NHS in Scotland, this guidance now extends availability to patients in England. Healthcare providers in England must fund the treatment within ninety days of the final guidance publication when it represents the most suitable therapeutic option for eligible patients.
Patient-Centred Approach to Implementation
NICE has emphasised that healthcare professionals should provide clear information to patients about this new treatment option and engage in thorough discussions about available choices. The guidance specifically states that clinicians should "listen carefully to your views and concerns" and notes that family members can be involved in these discussions if patients wish.
The final guidance concludes that sufficient evidence now exists to demonstrate that amivantamab plus lazertinib provides both clinical benefits and represents value for money, allowing for routine use across the NHS for this specific patient population. This development offers new hope for hundreds of patients facing this challenging form of advanced lung cancer.
