Chemosat Q&A

There have been two important developments regarding CHEMOSAT for people with ocular melanoma that has spread to the liver.

Within this Q&A we hope to answer some of the unanswered questions you may have, particularly around what it may mean for you, your loved ones, or future access to treatment.

NHS England has launched stakeholder testing on a proposed commissioning policy that would allow CHEMOSAT to be routinely funded for eligible adults with liver-dominant metastatic uveal melanoma.

This is an important and positive step, although it is not yet a final funding decision. Stakeholder testing is part of the process NHS England uses to gather views from patients, clinicians, charities and other stakeholders before considering the proposal further.

Ocular Melanoma UK has consistently advocated for equitable access to treatment options for people affected by ocular melanoma. We are encouraged that NHS England is actively considering routine commissioning and that a draft policy is now open for stakeholder review.

NICE has also published draft guidance proposing that CHEMOSAT should remain under special arrangements, rather than move to standard arrangements at this stage. NICE is now consulting on this draft guidance before making a final recommendation.

We know many people affected by ocular melanoma will have strong feelings about NICE’s draft guidance.

It is important to understand that NICE’s interventional procedures guidance does not directly determine whether CHEMOSAT is funded by the NHS. NHS funding decisions are made separately by NHS England.

Chemosat Q&A

What has happened this week?

Two important announcements were made about CHEMOSAT, a treatment used for some people whose ocular (uveal) melanoma has spread to the liver.

NHS England has started asking for feedback on a proposal that could make CHEMOSAT routinely available on the NHS for eligible patients.
NICE has published draft guidance saying that CHEMOSAT should continue to be used under special arrangements for now, rather than moving to standard arrangements.

Neither announcement is a final decision.

What does this mean for me?

Right now, nothing changes.

CHEMOSAT is not yet routinely funded on the NHS, and no final decisions have been made.

However, NHS England is actively considering whether eligible patients should be able to access CHEMOSAT through routine NHS funding in the future. This is encouraging progress.

What is happening now?

Two separate things are taking place:

1. NHS England is considering funding CHEMOSAT

NHS England has published a proposed policy that would allow CHEMOSAT to be routinely funded for eligible adults with liver-dominant metastatic uveal melanoma.

Before making a decision, NHS England wants to hear from:

Patients
Family members and carers
Doctors and nurses
Hospitals
Charities and patient groups

The feedback period is open until 1 July 2026.

2. NICE is consulting on its draft guidance

NICE has published draft guidance saying CHEMOSAT should continue to be offered under special arrangements rather than moving to standard arrangements at this stage.

NICE is now asking for feedback before making a final decision.

The consultation is open until 7 July 2026.

Importantly, NICE’s guidance does not decide whether CHEMOSAT is funded by the NHS. Funding decisions are made separately by NHS England.

What happens next?

Step 1: Feedback is collected

Patients, families, doctors and organisations can share their views with NHS England and NICE.

Step 2: Feedback is reviewed

Both organisations will review the responses they receive and consider whether changes are needed.

Step 3: Final decisions are made

NICE will publish its final guidance.

NHS England will decide whether CHEMOSAT should be routinely funded for eligible patients.

Step 4: If funding is approved

Eligible patients could be referred for CHEMOSAT through an NHS-funded pathway.

What is Ocular Melanoma UK doing?

We are:

Working with NHS England as part of the group considering CHEMOSAT funding.
Meeting with NICE and other organisations to discuss the latest developments.
Continuing to advocate for faster access to treatment.
Reviewing both consultations and preparing formal responses on behalf of the ocular melanoma community.

Can I have my say?

Yes.

Patients, family members, carers and healthcare professionals can all take part in the consultation processes.

We will share information about how to do this shortly and will hold online sessions during the week beginning 22 June to answer questions from the community.

If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please contact our helpline

What should I share in my response?

Share what this decision could mean for you whether you’ve received Chemosat or not.

This might include your experience of ocular melanoma, if you have/had liver metastases, received Chemosaturation, access to treatment, travel, cost, quality of life, family impact, or the lack of other treatment options.

Your response does not need to be technical, any practical examples are important. Patient experiences are incredibly valuable to these consultations and you are the best people to share these.