bendamustine hydrochloride (Levact)

Advice

following a full submission:

bendamustine hydrochloride (Levact®) is accepted for use within NHS Scotland.

Indication under review: first-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) (Binet stage B or C) in patients for whom fludarabine combination chemotherapy is not appropriate.

Bendamustine showed significantly improved response rates and progression free survival when compared with another alkylating agent in patients with previously untreated advanced CLL, although the patients studied may have been younger and fitter than those eligible to receive bendamustine in Scottish clinical practice.