NICE has today (21 May 2026) published final draft guidance recommending a new treatment option for people with advanced cervical cancer, potentially benefitting around 290 patients across England.
The treatment, tisotumab vedotin (also known as Tivdak), is recommended for cervical cancer that has returned or spread after previous treatment. Manufactured by Genmab, it will offer a new option for patients who currently face very limited alternatives once standard therapies have failed.
Tisotumab vedotin is given intravenously once every three weeks and belongs to a class of medicines known as antibody‑drug conjugates. These treatments are designed to target tumour cells more precisely, delivering cancer‑killing drugs directly to the cancer while limiting wider damage to healthy tissue.
Evidence shows improved outcomes over standard chemotherapy
For people with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer, treatment options have historically been extremely limited. Standard care typically involves single‑agent chemotherapy, where one chemotherapy drug is used rather than combination therapy.
Clinical trial evidence reviewed by NICE shows that patients treated with tisotumab vedotin live longer overall and experience a longer period before their cancer worsens or returns compared with those receiving chemotherapy alone.
The treatment may also reduce the burden of hospital visits. Tisotumab vedotin is administered once every three weeks, compared with the most commonly used chemotherapy, paclitaxel, which requires weekly hospital attendance.
Impact on quality of life
Advanced cervical cancer has a profound effect on quality of life. Patients told the independent NICE committee that living with the condition is both physically and emotionally exhausting, with the ongoing fear of disease progression placing a heavy strain on everyday life.
NICE concluded that the improved survival outcomes, combined with a less intensive treatment schedule, could represent a meaningful improvement for patients whose disease has already progressed following earlier therapies.
Managing side effects safely
Tisotumab vedotin is associated with side effects, most notably eye‑related problems, with over half of patients in clinical trials experiencing some form of ocular issue.
To manage this risk, a comprehensive eye‑care protocol has been put in place. This includes preventative eye drops, cooling eye pads during treatment, and assessment by an eye‑care specialist before treatment begins and as clinically required throughout therapy. In most cases, eye‑related side effects were found to improve or resolve over time.
Patients will be fully informed about potential side effects before starting treatment, and the NHS will provide appropriate monitoring and support pathways throughout care.
Access through the Cancer Drugs Fund
Under the draft guidance, tisotumab vedotin will be available immediately to eligible patients via funding through the Cancer Drugs Fund. The treatment will then move into routine NHS commissioning 90 days after final NICE guidance is published, ensuring longer‑term access.
The recommendation marks a significant step forward for a patient group with few remaining options, and reflects NICE’s continued focus on improving access to innovative cancer treatments where evidence shows clear benefit.
Image credit: iStock
