People newly diagnosed with the blood cancer multiple myeloma will now be guaranteed access to bortezomib, also known as Velcade.

Multiple myeloma develops from cells in the bone marrow. Almost 4,000 cases are diagnosed every year in the UK. There is currently no cure; there are only treatments to stop its progress and relieve symptoms.

NICE's independent experts examined the use of bortezomib for newly diagnosed patients who are eligible for high-dose chemotherapy and who are suitable for bone marrow transplant (haematopoietic stem cell transplantation). The experts were looking at bortezomib in combination with drugs that help to stop the progress of the myeloma: the steroid dexamethasone, or dexamethasone and thalidomide (which cuts the supply of oxygen to the cancerous cells).

For more details, go to: http://www.nice.org.uk/newsroom/pressreleases/NICERecommendsBortezomibForNewlyDiagnosedBloodCancerMu...