Leukaemia (lymphocytic) - fludarabine

Summary

Fludarabine given on its own is not recommended as an initial treatment for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Fludarabine is not licensed to be prescribed for CLL in combination with other chemotherapy medicines. This is because its 'marketing authorisation', which is normally needed before a drug can be prescribed, did not cover combination treatment. NICE was therefore unable to look at fludarabine in combination with other chemotherapy drugs for people with CLL. The process of giving a drug its marketing authorisation is not related to the NICE appraisal process and it is not carried out by NICE.

This guidance replaces TA29 Leukaemia (lymphocytic) - fludarabine

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• TA119 Leukaemia (lymphocytic) - fludarabine: Guidance
• TA119 Leukaemia (lymphocytic) - fludarabine: Quick reference guide

For patients, carers and the public

• TA119 Leukaemia (lymphocytic) - fludarabine: Understanding NICE guidance (MS Word format)
• TA119 Leukaemia (lymphocytic) - fludarabine: Understanding NICE guidance

Background information

• 2007/012 NICE publishes guidance on fludarabine for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• TA119 Leukaemia (lymphocytic) - fludarabine: Audit criteria
• TA119 Leukaemia (lymphocytic) - fludarabine: Costing statement