Advice
Following a full resubmission
liposomal cytarabine suspension (DepoCyte®) is not recommended for use within NHS Scotland for the intrathecal treatment of lymphomatous meningitis.
There is limited clinical evidence to support a claim of superior efficacy for liposomal cytarabine over existing therapy. Effects on symptom improvement and quality of life were not well defined. The manufacturer did not present a sufficiently robust economic analysis and its justification of the treatment’s cost in relation to its health benefits was not sufficient to gain acceptance by SMC.
Download detailed advice64KB (PDF)
Medicine details
- Medicine name:
- liposomal cytarabine 50mg suspension for injection (DepoCyte)
- SMC ID:
- 164/05
- Indication:
- Intrathecal treatment of lymphomatous meningitis
- Pharmaceutical company
- Napp Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- BNF chapter
- Malignant disease and immunosuppression
- Submission type
- Resubmission
- Status
- Not recommended
- Date advice published
- 13 August 2007