NHS England is to roll out a new treatment that halves the risk of lung cancer patients suffering a return of the disease after undergoing treatment.

In a trial of the drug, the first of its kind, around nine out of ten patients treated, remained alive and disease-free after two years – compared to more than four in ten who hadn’t received the new therapy.

Approximately 100 patients in England with a rare form of cancer will initially have access to the drug, called Osimertinib, with many more expected to benefit this year. Eligible patients with rare forms of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer will be offered the drug, which catches the tumour early, stopping it developing and potentially increasing the chance of surviving the disease.

NHS England, NICE and AstraZeneca have reached an agreement to enable early access to Osimertinib for early-stage lung cancer patients in England on a budget-neutral basis to the NHS while NICE undertakes its appraisal.

Sir Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive, said: “The NHS has continued to offer new treatments rapidly throughout the pandemic, to improve care for patients, including a package of COVID-safe treatments for cancer.

“This new drug, which halves the chance of lung cancer returning, is the latest potentially life-saving drug deal landed by the NHS in England, following agreements that have led to sight loss treatment for children and cystic fibrosis therapy brought to frontline patient care.

“The NHS message to anyone experiencing symptoms such as a cough for three weeks or more is clear – do not delay, help us to help you by coming forward for care – the NHS is ready and able to treat you, often with the most cutting-edge treatments available anywhere in the world.”