Concern over delay in asbestos drug decision
Concern over delay in asbestos drug decision
A final decision on whether a chemotherapy drug that could help sufferers of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma should be available on the NHS may not now be announced for months. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) says it does not envisage being in a position to give guidance on the drug Alimta until September. This would mean by the time Nice finally announces if it is going to make Alimta available on the NHS, campaign groups will have been fighting the cause for almost two years. There is no cure for mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos, but Alimta is said to help make sufferers more comfortable during their last months. The drug is currently only available in some parts of the country on the NHS, including the North East, Liverpool and London. Nice decided recently not to recommend Alimta for use across the NHS, but this decision is being reviewed. It is understood those health trusts in the UK already offering Alimta can continue to do so until a final decision is made. Ian McFall of Thompsons Solicitors said: 'The very nature of mesothelioma means many sufferers cannot afford to wait until September to find out if this drug will be made available to them.' He added: 'I would urge Nice to find some way to bring this meeting forward so a decision can be made without further delay.' Chris Knighton from the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund said the group was 'disappointed that there will be no final decision until September. It is good news that those currently receiving Alimta on the NHS will continue to do so but this does not help those people who live in areas where the drug is not yet available from their local NHS hospital.'
Stay Updated
Want to hear about our latest news and blogs?
Sign up now to get it straight to your inbox