Unpacking the Prostate Cancer "Postcode Lottery": Abiraterone Access in the UK

Today we explore the critical issue of prostate cancer treatment, focusing on the drug abiraterone. A UK-developed breakthrough, it has transformed advanced prostate cancer care globally. However, its availability for men with non-metastatic prostate cancer varies widely across the UK. While routinely available in Scotland and Wales, men in England and Northern Ireland face a "postcode lottery", often unable to access this cheaper, off-patent drug through the NHS. The debate calls for equitable access based on medical need, not financial status or location, urging a review of funding and approval processes.

Key Takeaways:

• Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in the UK; over 50,000 men diagnosed annually, and one in eight men will be diagnosed.
• Abiraterone, a UK breakthrough, has revolutionised advanced prostate cancer care globally, improving quality of life and extending lives.
• Access for non-metastatic prostate cancer varies: routinely available on NHS in Scotland and Wales, but not England or Northern Ireland.
• This "postcode lottery" means access depends on location, not prognosis. Some men in England with non-metastatic cancer must pay privately.
• Abiraterone is now off-patent and costs £2.75 a day, making it much cheaper.
• NHS England acknowledges abiraterone's effectiveness for non-metastatic cases, estimating 7,000 eligible men annually at an additional £20 million/year. However, funding has not been identified.
• Calls for equal, timely access are made, urging assessment of funding models and transparency in drug approval.

Important Definitions and Concepts:

• Abiraterone: A significant drug for prostate cancer treatment, initially developed in London, now widely used globally.
• Metastatic vs. Non-metastatic Prostate Cancer: Metastatic cancer has spread beyond its origin; non-metastatic has not.
• Postcode Lottery: Unequal access to healthcare services or treatments based on a patient's geographical location.

Source: Prostate Cancer Treatment
Volume 769: debated on Tuesday 17 June 2025

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0....