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Alimta
Jul 9, 2007 17:45:22 GMT 1
Post by Deanne Jenkyns on Jul 9, 2007 17:45:22 GMT 1
Thousands of patients with a cancer linked to asbestos will receive a life-prolonging drug thanks to a crusade by doctors.
NICE, which rations the money the NHS spends on drugs, has bowed to pressure and approved the drug Alimta.
The institute said in March that it would ban Alimta because, at £ 8,000 for a full course, it was not costeffective.
However doctors pointed out that the treatment, for the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma, is already available in Scotland.
They also say a total bill of £3million to £6million a year compares favourably with that for Herceptin, the breast cancer drug which costs the NHS around £120million.
Out of 1,500 patients developing mesothelioma each year, around 1,000 might be eligible for treatment.
Dr Gary Middleton, a consultant at Royal Surrey County Hospital, hailed the ruling as a victory for doctors and patients who have applied pressure on NICE.
While untreated patients might get six months after diagnosis, Alimta could extend life by around 13 months and sometimes much longer, he added.
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