NICE has recommended cemiplimab for eligible adults with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer that has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended cemiplimab as a treatment option for adults with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer that has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.

The recommendation means eligible patients in England and Wales can access the immunotherapy through the NHS if they have not previously received immunotherapy. Treatment should be stopped after 16 cycles, or earlier if the disease progresses or unacceptable toxicity occurs, in line with NICE guidance.

The recommendation applies regardless of tumour PD-L1 expression, allowing access to treatment without the need for patient selection based on this biomarker.

Cervical cancer remains a significant health challenge in the UK, with around 3,300 new cases diagnosed each year. While outcomes for earlier-stage disease have improved through screening and vaccination programmes, treatment options remain limited once the disease becomes recurrent or metastatic.

Advanced cervical cancer is associated with poor prognosis, particularly after progression on platinum-based chemotherapy, creating an ongoing need for additional treatment options.

The NICE recommendation follows an appraisal of the clinical and economic evidence for cemiplimab in this patient population and supports its routine use within the NHS for eligible patients.

Dr Gemma Eminowicz, consultant clinical oncologist at University College London Hospital, said: “Despite our established screening and vaccination programmes, cervical cancer is still a significant health burden. The most important area of unmet need is in advanced disease where we have very limited treatment options. This positive NICE recommendation for cemiplimab gives us access to an additional treatment option for eligible women living with advanced cervical cancer, helping improve quality of life for these patients.”

The decision marks a further expansion of immunotherapy options in gynaecological cancers and provides clinicians with an additional treatment for patients whose disease has progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy.

According to NICE guidance, cemiplimab will be available through the NHS in England and Wales for eligible adults with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer who meet the specified treatment criteria.

The recommendation is expected to support access to treatment for patients with advanced disease who have historically faced limited therapeutic options once first-line treatments have failed.