The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved an existing drug for treating prostate cancer, reversing a previous decision on its use
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in Nursing Times
A “life-extending” drug for patients living with advanced prostate cancer has now been recommended for use on the NHS in England and Wales by NICE.
In its final draft guidance published on 24 October 2025, NICE approved darolutamide for adults with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) – a hormone therapy that lowers testosterone levels.
The combination treatment, taken as two tablets twice daily alongside ADT, could benefit around 6,000 people in England, NICE said.
Prostate Cancer in the UK: Key Facts and Survival Rates
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with around 55,000 new cases diagnosed each year. According to Cancer Research UK, more than 4 in 5 men (over 80%) will survive for 10 years or more following a diagnosis, thanks to advances in early detection and treatment. However, survival rates are lower for those whose cancer has already spread at the time of diagnosis – making new treatment options particularly important.
How Darolutamide Works
Darolutamide works by blocking the hormones that fuel prostate cancer growth, effectively starving cancer cells of the testosterone they need to multiply and spread. This can help to slow disease progression and extend survival for people living with advanced forms of the disease.
Why This Matters to Practice Managers
As this new guidance receives widespread media coverage, patients and families may approach GP practices with questions about darolutamide and its availability on the NHS. Practice managers and primary care teams should be aware of NICE’s updated recommendation and the eligibility criteria for treatment, to help provide clear information and signpost patients appropriately. According to Prostate Cancer Research, NHS organisations in England are now required to make darolutamide available to eligible patients by 22 January 2026 at the latest. This timeline follows NICE’s final approval on 24 October 2025 and reflects the standard 90-day implementation period that NHS organisations have to make newly approved treatments accessible.
The approval of darolutamide marks an important milestone in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, offering new hope and improved outcomes for thousands of men across England and Wales. As awareness grows, practice managers and primary care teams should stay informed about the rollout of this treatment and be prepared to respond to patient enquiries. Ongoing communication between primary care and oncology specialists will be essential to ensure patients receive timely advice, referrals and access to treatment options.
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