Women battling an advanced form of womb cancer have been offered renewed optimism as a new treatment has been approved for widespread use on the NHS. A mere 15% of women survive for five years following a diagnosis of advanced (stage four) endometrial cancer – a cancer typically originating in the womb’s lining.

The treatment, pembrolizumab, can decelerate cancer growth and enhance survival rates, according to health officials. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) anticipates that approximately 2,100 women will benefit from this treatment annually.

Nice stated that its endorsement of the treatment for the NHS in England represents a “major step forward” in treating women with this type of cancer. The treatment, also known as Keytruda and produced by Merck Sharp and Dohme, is an immunotherapy drug administered via a drip alongside chemotherapy drugs carboplatin and paclitaxel, and can be given for up to two years.

Clinical trials demonstrate that the combination of treatments reduced the risk of death by 26% compared to chemotherapy alone, according to Nice. The treatments can also slow down cancer progression, it added.

“For people with advanced endometrial cancer, this innovative combination offers a powerful new treatment option,” said Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice. “It marks a major step forward, and we’re pleased to recommend it as part of our commitment to getting the best care to people, fast, while ensuring value for the taxpayer.”

Approximately 9,700 women receive an endometrial cancer diagnosis annually, Nice reported, establishing it as the UK’s most prevalent gynaecological malignancy.

Helen Hyndman, lead nurse at the charity Eve Appeal’s information service Ask Eve, said: “Primary advanced or recurrent womb (endometrial) cancer has a huge impact on the quality of life for those diagnosed. It is great news that this new treatment has been approved. It will offer hope, a better quality of life and improve outcomes for those affected.”

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, said: “Getting this treatment to many more NHS patients as quickly as possible will help thousands of women live longer, allowing them to spend more time with loved ones and give them a better quality of life. Thanks to the NHS’s Cancer Drugs Fund, it is now being fast-tracked into routine use, with treatment available to more patients from today.”