3 May 2024
The One Wales Medicines Advisory Group (OWMAG) have recommended using dabrafenib and trametinib together to treat anaplastic thyroid cancer if it has a particular genetic variant called BRAF V600E. The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group endorsed the decision and Welsh Government ratified it in April 2024.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare and fast-growing type of cancer affecting the thyroid gland in the neck. It is usually treated by an operation to remove it then chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Dabrafenib and trametinib can only be given to treat anaplastic thyroid cancer when an operation to remove the cancer is not possible.
All patients registered with a GP practice in Wales who meet the criteria for treatment will have the option to take dabrafenib and trametinib, even if they need to receive their treatment outside Wales. Dabrafenib and trametinib are not licensed to treat anaplastic thyroid cancer, so using them in this way is called 'off-label' use.
This decision is interim and will be reviewed after 12 months, allowing OWMAG to consider any new, or longer-term evidence.