The U.K.'s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended Eisai Co. Ltd.'s cancer drug Lenvima for routine use under the National Health Service as a treatment for a form of thyroid cancer.

The drug is one of the few treatment options for progressive, locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer after surgery and radioactive iodine therapy, the committee concluded.

In its review, the appraisal committee considered that the drug showed a statistically significant improvement versus placebo in extending life while keeping the disease at bay. Lenvima also showed an improvement in extending life compared to placebo.

Lenvima, known chemically as lenvatinib, is a kinase inhibitor that blocks cancer growth.

In 2017, NICE opted not to recommend Lenvima for routine use under the NHS to treat the disease, citing concerns regarding the drug's cost-effectiveness.