Anti-Amyloid Therapy – Lecanemab UK Status — SCE Neurology MCQ

Correct answer: E — Not routine NHS treatment; current NICE funding and safety eligibility must be checked

The best answer is “Not routine NHS treatment; current NICE funding and safety eligibility must be checked”. NICE has not recommended routine NHS use and the appraisal position remains time-sensitive; specialist assessment must separate marketing authorisation from NHS commissioning and individual safety. “They are first-line NHS treatment for every patient with memory symptoms” can be reasonable in another presentation, but it does not account for the defining feature here. “A positive amyloid biomarker guarantees treatment without APOE or MRI assessment” can be reasonable in another presentation, but it does not account for the defining feature here. “They reverse established dementia and remove the need for supportive care” can be reasonable in another presentation, but it does not account for the defining feature here. “They are contraindicated worldwide because no regulator has authorised them” can be reasonable in another presentation, but it does not account for the defining feature here.

Reference: NICE Alzheimer medicines appraisal update: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/the-benefits-of-alzheimers-treatments-donanemab-and-lecanemab-remain-too-small-to-justify-the-additional-costs-says-nice-in-final-draft-guidance