Cemiplimab with platinum-based chemotherapy for untreated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Cemiplimab (Libtayo) with platinum-based chemotherapy is available on the NHS. It is a possible treatment for untreated non-small-cell lung cancer in adults:

• if they would otherwise be offered pembrolizumab with platinum-based chemotherapy, and 
• when the cancer:  
  • is locally advanced and not suitable for definitive chemoradiation, or is metastatic  
  • has a type of protein called PD‑L1 in 1% or more of the tumour cells, and  
  • has no EGFR, ALK or ROS‑1 genetic mutations or alterations.

Locally advanced means the cancer has spread to nearby tissues and metastatic means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Definitive chemoradiation is chemotherapy with radiotherapy that is used to cure the cancer.

If you are not eligible for cemiplimab with platinum-based chemotherapy but are already having it, you should be able to continue until you and your healthcare professional decide when best to stop.

Is this treatment right for me?

Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. See our webpage on shared decision making.

Questions to think about

• How well does it work compared with other treatments?
• What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
• How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
• What happens if the treatment does not work?
• What happens if I do not want to have treatment? Are there other treatments available?

Information and support

The NHS webpage on lung cancer may be a good place to find out more.

These organisations can give you advice and support:

• Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, 0333 323 7200
• Lung Cancer Nursing UK (LCNUK), 01675 477607
• Cancer Research UK, 0808 800 4040
• Macmillan Cancer Support, 0808 808 0000

You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.

NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-9549-3