NICE recommends that nivolumab is made available on the NHS as a treatment option for patients with advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma.

The independent Committee decided that a consultation on the draft recommendations was not needed for this appraisal, so the recommendations could go straight to a final appraisal determination (FAD).

This happens when the Committee recommends a treatment in line with its licence.

Professor Carole Longson, Health Technology Evaluation Centre Director said: “We are pleased to be able to recommend nivolumab for treating advanced skin cancer in final draft guidance.

In 2011, over 13,000 people were diagnosed with melanoma in the UK, and it accounts for more deaths than all other skin cancers combinedi.

I am sure this will be welcome news to patients and healthcare professionals alike.”

The draft guidance is now with consultees, who have the opportunity to appeal against it.

Until NICE issues final guidance, NHS bodies should make decisions locally on the funding of specific treatments.

Once NICE recommends a treatment 'as an option', the NHS must make sure it is available within 3 months (unless otherwise specified) of its date of publication.

Source: NICE