sunitinib (Sutent)

Advice

Following a resubmission.

Sunitinib (Sutent) is accepted for use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of unresectable and/or metastatic malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) after failure of imatinib mesilate treatment due to resistance or intolerance.

Sunitinib compared with placebo delayed tumour progression by approximately five months.

Treatment with sunitinib should not be continued if there is evidence of unacceptable toxicity or progression of disease.

This SMC advice takes account of the benefits of a Patient Access Scheme (PAS) that improves the cost-effectiveness of sunitinib. This SMC advice is contingent upon the continuing availability of the patient access scheme in NHS Scotland.