The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended enzalutamide as an option for treating some types of prostate cancer.

The drug has been used during the pandemic as a so-called ‘Covid-friendly’ cancer drug, which patients can take at home instead of needing intravenous medication in a health setting. Now new draft guidance from Nice should enable wider use.

Prostate Cancer UK said the news was welcome for thousands of men, especially those who are unable to have chemotherapy. There are an estimated 8,500 men who will be able to access the drug, which works by blocking the effect of the hormone testosterone on prostate cancer cells.

Clinical trials have shown that the treatment increases the time until the disease gets worse and how long people live.

Angela Culhane, chief executive at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "This is fantastic news for thousands of men with advanced prostate cancer, especially those who have additional illnesses that make them unsuitable for chemotherapy. It finally guarantees them access to a treatment which is just as effective as chemotherapy and can give them back precious time with their families."