The National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) in France has approved a new treatment for endometrial cancer developed by GSK, a British laboratory. The drug, called Jemperli and based on the molecule dostarlimab, has been available in early access for women with newly diagnosed or recurrent advanced endometrial cancer since October 23.
The ANSM authorized this drug before approval from the EMA, the European Union's medicines authority. However, only doctors specializing in oncology can prescribe it and special monitoring of side effects is required.
Endometrial cancer usually develops in women after menopause in the inner lining of the uterus. Jemperli, which must be administered with chemotherapy, has already been approved by other health authorities to treat this cancer, including in the United States.
The ANSM's decision is based on a study which showed a positive effect of the treatment on “progression-free survival” of cancer. However, this indicator is criticized by some specialists who prefer “overall survival” data to evaluate the reduction in mortality. However, GSK recently released a statement stating that its latest study also shows an improvement in this indicator when Jemperli is used to treat endometrial cancer.
Pascal Lemontel
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