Scotland has taken a pioneering step in cancer care, becoming the first nation in the United Kingdom to approve a new, targeted treatment for advanced stomach cancer.
A New Hope for Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) announced on Monday, 19 January 2026, that it has approved the use of the drug zolbetuximab for NHS Scotland. This innovative medication will be used in combination with standard chemotherapy to treat a specific type of advanced or metastatic gastric cancer that cannot be surgically removed or has spread.
It is estimated that this decision could benefit up to 386 patients each year in Scotland. Dr Robert Peel, vice-chair of the SMC, stated that the approval "provides an effective targeted treatment option" for these individuals.
How the 'Cutting Edge' Treatment Works
Zolbetuximab represents a shift towards precision medicine. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, it works by specifically targeting and attaching to cancerous cells that express a protein called CLDN18.2. This action flags the cancer cells, enabling the body's own immune system to identify and attack them, thereby slowing the progression of the disease.
The approval followed evidence from the manufacturer, Astellas Pharma Ltd, indicating that the treatment could help patients live longer without their cancer worsening or spreading.
Medical Experts Hail a Step Forward in Personalised Care
Leading oncologists have welcomed the SMC's decision as a significant advancement. Professor Russell Petty, Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Dundee, described it as reflecting the ambition to deliver "cutting-edge care" through precision medicine.
"By moving beyond one-size-fits-all methods and targeting specific features of a tumour, like CLDN18.2, it’s possible to deliver more effective therapies, ultimately extending a patient’s time with their loved ones," Professor Petty explained.
Dr Timir Patel, Medical Director at Astellas, echoed this sentiment, calling zolbetuximab "an innovative approach" and emphasising the company's dedication to developing treatments for areas of high unmet clinical need. He said the SMC's recommendation underscores the critical importance of personalised strategies in modern cancer care.
This landmark move positions NHS Scotland at the forefront of oncology treatment in the UK, offering a new, targeted weapon in the fight against a challenging form of cancer.
