The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended the first immunotherapy for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) for use on the NHS in England and Wales.
In final draft guidance, published on 16 September 2025, NICE approved durvalumab (Imfinzi; AstraZeneca) for adults whose cancer has not progressed after platinum-based chemoradiotherapy.
The treatment, which could benefit more than 500 people, is to be used alongside active monitoring of patients who have completed chemotherapy, NICE said.
LS-SCLC is a type of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) that has not metastasised, which accounts for about 30% of SCLC cases.
In a press release published alongside the guidance, NICE said: “There have been limited advances in the treatment of LS-SCLC for over 20 years, and there are no maintenance treatments available after chemotherapy and radiotherapy.”
NICE added that in clinical trials people taking durvalumab had a median overall survival time of 55.9 months compared with 33.4 months for those taking a placebo.
In addition, progression-free survival for those taking the drug was 16.6 months compared with 9.2 months for those taking placebo.
”Just over 1,000 people in England are diagnosed with limited stage SCLC each year, and it is estimated that 530 people could benefit from the new medicine,” NICE said.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: “This is a devastating disease with a poor prognosis, so a drug proven to improve the length and quality of people’s lives, giving them more precious time with their family and friends, is most welcome.
“This is the first immunotherapy NICE has recommended for limited-stage small cell lung cancer, and we are determined to ensure we continue focusing on what matters most by getting the best care to people fast.”
Lyndsy Ambler, senior early diagnosis manager at Cancer Research UK, commented: “It’s positive to see that NICE has recommended durvalumab for people with LS-SCLC. This is the first immunotherapy approved for this particular form of the disease which is associated with poor outcomes.
“Research shows it can help improve survival, giving patients more time with loved ones. It’s a welcome step forward for people affected by this cancer, where treatment options have been limited for far too long.”