A U-TURN that means people with advanced skin cancer will be able to access a "wonder drug" on the NHS has been welcomed by Mid Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham.
The Tory politician said she had campaigned for Ipilimumab to be offered as a first line treatment for malignant melanoma.
In final draft guidance, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said Ipilimumab, which is also known by its brand name Yervoy, should be made available to patients with advanced malignant melanoma where the tumour cannot be removed or has spread to other parts of the body.
The decision represents a U-turn for NICE after it announced earlier this year that the medication should only be used by the NHS for patients in clinical trials, pending further evidence that it can help patients live longer.
Mrs Latham said she was pleased with NICE's latest decision.
She said: "I am of course delighted by this news. It is a landmark decision, that will undoubtedly have a hugely positive impact on the lives of melanoma patients, allowing them to live longer, fuller lives after diagnosis."
