The drug, ibrutinib, has the potential to transform treatment of advanced case patients with two specific types of leukaemia and lymphoma.
But its maker, drugs giant Janssen, hopes it will prove effective across a wide range of blood cancers.
Currently Ibrutinib, marketed as Imbruvica, can be given to patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Every year 2,800 CLL and 500 MCL patients are diagnosed in the UK.
Dr Claire Dearden, consultant haematologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital, who took part in trials of the drug, said: “The launch of Ibrutinib in the UK signals a real step change in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia treatment and is encouraging for patients and their families.
“Historically there have been few treatment options beyond chemotherapy, which can have significant side effects and may not be suitable for all patients.”
A course of Ibrutinib costs £4,000 a month, but the drug is on the list of medicines that qualify for Cancer Drugs Fund subsidies.
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