Lynparza (olaparib) in combination with bevacizumab receives positive final recommendation from NICE for first-line treatment of advanced (stage IIIB-IV) HRD-positive ovarian cancer

Today, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Lynparza (olaparib) for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete or partial response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in combination with bevacizumab, and whose cancer is associated with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)-positive status.[1]

Please see below for commentary from AstraZeneca UK spokespeople around this decision.

Tom Keith-Roach, President, AstraZeneca UK, said: “We are delighted with this recommendation for women with advanced (stage IIIB-IV) homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)-positive ovarian cancer. Olaparib was discovered and developed in England, and it is important that UK patients can routinely and rapidly access such medicines.”

David Brocklehurst, Head of Oncology, AstraZeneca UK, said: "Approximately 50% of women in the UK with advanced ovarian cancer have cancers that are homologous recombinant deficiency (HRD) positive. It is critical that routine HRD testing is provided by the NHS at the point of diagnosis to increase chances of accessing olaparib."

[1] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Olaparib with bevacizumab for maintenance treatment of adult patients with advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer. Final Draft Guidance. Issue Date: 8 December 2023.