In a landmark decision for cancer care in England, thousands more men with high-risk prostate cancer will now qualify for a life-extending drug on the NHS. The hormone therapy, abiraterone, previously only available to patients whose cancer had already spread, will be offered to men with high-risk localised disease.
Expanded Access Saves Lives and NHS Money
NHS England has confirmed a significant expansion of the eligibility criteria for abiraterone, a treatment that works by inhibiting testosterone production throughout the body. This change, announced in January 2026, means that men diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer that has not yet spread can now receive the drug if clinically appropriate.
It is estimated that approximately 2,000 men diagnosed in the last quarter could benefit immediately, with an additional 7,000 men becoming eligible each year going forward. Clinical data underpinning the decision is compelling. Research from the Stampede trial, led by Professor Nick James from the Institute of Cancer Research in London, shows that two years of abiraterone halves the risk of the cancer returning and reduces the risk of death by 40%.
Clinical Benefits and Patient Impact
The statistics reveal a clear survival advantage. The proportion of men alive after six years on abiraterone is 86%, compared to 77% on standard treatment, which involves hormone therapy with or without radiotherapy. Professor James stated that in the next five years, almost 8,000 men will avoid the devastating news of a cancer recurrence.
"Even for men whose cancer does recur, this treatment gives them more healthy years," he said. He also emphasised that the reduction in relapses will save the NHS money in the long term, creating financial savings alongside the major clinical benefit.
Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, described the treatment as "life-changing," helping to keep cancer at bay for several years. He noted that the life-extending treatment will be available on the NHS within weeks, allowing thousands to start the year with hope for a longer, healthier life.
A Campaigning Victory for Patients
The charity Prostate Cancer UK, which campaigned vigorously for wider access, calculated that this decision will save 3,000 men's lives over the next five years. Amy Rylance, the charity's assistant director of health improvement, called it a "momentous, life-saving victory."
She highlighted the previous "impossible situation" faced by men in England, who were denied a proven treatment simply due to their postcode. The disparity was stark, as the drug was already available on the NHS in Scotland and Wales.
This inequity was experienced firsthand by Giles Turner, 65, from Brighton. Diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in March 2023, he was forced to pay for abiraterone privately after discovering it was not freely available to him in England. "I was shocked and angered that my postcode meant I was denied free access to a treatment that could halve my risk of dying," he said.
Labour MP Rupa Huq, who campaigned on the issue following her father's death from prostate cancer, welcomed the announcement as "a great new year's present" for thousands of men and their families across the country.
