(Alliance News) - Patients with aggressive stomach cancer are to benefit from a new type of treatment after the NHS spending watchdog approved the first immunotherapy for people with this form of cancer.

Immunotherapy helps harness the body's immune system to fight cancer.

Trials have shown that durvalumab plus chemotherapy can increase the amount of time people have before their cancer progresses.

It has also been shown to increase survival.

The National Institute for Health & Care Excellence approved the drug, which is also known as Imfinzi and made by AstraZeneca PLC, for adults whose stomach cancer has not spread extensively and can be removed through surgery.

The decision was hailed as the "first major advance" in stomach cancer treatment for nearly a decade.

It is estimated that 1,500 people a year could benefit from the decision.

"Stomach cancer is a devastating disease with high rates of recurrence after surgery, so there is an urgent need for treatments like durvalumab that meaningfully extend both the length and quality of patients' lives," Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said.

Sheena Dewan, executive director at Stomach Cancer UK, said: "This is the first major advance in curative-intent treatment for stomach cancer in nearly a decade. Adding immunotherapy to perioperative chemotherapy offers a real opportunity for lower recurrence and longer survival.

"For too long, patients have been enduring the dual burden of life-altering surgery and high rates of recurrence.

"This treatment gives individuals and families living with the constant fear that the cancer will return a meaningful opportunity for more time with loved ones, more time at work and more time to live well beyond treatment and even cure."

AstraZeneca shares were 0.4% higher at 13,824.00 pence each on Thursday morning in London.

By Ella Pickover, Press Association Health Correspondent

Press Association: News

source: PA

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