Our letter about access to Enhertu for people in Wales with HER2-low advanced breast cancer
We have written to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor, calling for urgent clarity on access to Enhertu for people in Wales with HER2-low advanced breast cancer.
This follows recent guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommending Enhertu for routine NHS use for eligible people with HER2-low advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose disease has progressed following treatment. Around 1,000 people could benefit from the treatment each year.
Enhertu has been shown to help people live longer and increase the time before their cancer gets worse compared with standard chemotherapy. Clinical trial evidence found that people receiving the treatment experienced improved progression-free survival and overall survival.
In our letter, we welcomed the positive recommendation but raised concerns about what this means for people living in Wales and how quickly they will be able to access the treatment.
We know that access to effective treatments can make a significant difference to people living with advanced cancer and to those close to them. Delays, uncertainty or variation in access can place additional pressure on people who are already facing difficult circumstances.
We have asked Welsh Government to provide clear information about:
- when eligible people in Wales will be able to access Enhertu
- how access arrangements will be implemented consistently across Wales
- what information and support will be available to patients and families
- how people will be kept informed about decisions that affect their care
We have said that people in Wales should not face unnecessary barriers or delays in accessing treatments that have been recommended for NHS use.
We also highlighted the importance of ensuring that patients, families and carers receive clear, accessible information so they can understand what the changes mean for them and make informed decisions about their care.
Everyone should have access to the care and treatment they need, regardless of where they live. We are asking for reassurance that people in Wales will be able to benefit from this treatment as quickly and fairly as possible.
We will continue to share what people tell us and work with decision-makers to make sure people's experiences help shape healthcare services in Wales. We will also continue to press for clear communication, equitable access to treatment, and care that meets people's needs.