Information for the public
Axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta) is available through the Cancer Drugs Fund. It is a possible treatment for diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma in adults when a stem cell transplant is suitable if it:
- comes back within 12 months after first-line chemoimmunotherapy or
- does not respond to first-line chemoimmunotherapy.
More evidence on axicabtagene ciloleucel is being collected. After this NICE will decide whether or not to recommend axicabtagene ciloleucel for use on the NHS and update the guidance. It will be available through the Cancer Drugs Fund until then.
If you are not eligible for axicabtagene ciloleucel but are already having it, you should be able to continue until you and your doctor 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 making decisions about your care.
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 non-Hodgkin lymphoma may be a good place to find out more.
These organisations can give you advice and support:
- Anthony Nolan, 0303 303 0303
- Blood Cancer UK, 0808 169 5155
- Lymphoma Action, 0808 808 5555
- 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: 978-1-4731-5225-0
This page was last updated: