Asbestos cancer drug approved

Save Spodden Valley campaigners have welcomed the annoucenment by NICE that it has rejected an appeal against its decision to approve the use of Alimta for the treatment of mesothelioma, a fatal tumour of the lung pleura caused by exposure to asbestos.

The campaign group has thanked MPs Paul Rowen and Jim Dobbin - both of whom have been vocal on the issue.

Spokesman Jason Addy said: "Our thanks go to local MPs Paul Rowen and Jim Dobbin who continue to work hard on raising awareness of the injustice caused by asbestos.

"Mesothelioma is a terminal asbestos related cancer. Alimta is not a cure and can only help a proportion of mesothelioma patients. However, what it can give is a little more time- perhaps only a few precious months- to mark a significant anniversary or see a grandchild born. What price can be put on that?
"Alimta has been subject to a cruel 'postcode lottery'. Patients in Rochdale have been able to receive it but many former T&N workers who have moved away haven't.

"Nationwide, many cancer victims of a product once made in Rochdale could not get English NHS treatment. Scotland and much of the EU funded treatment but not many parts of England. It was a huge injustice. "What message did that send to people who were facing a death sentence...
"Work hard for decades, pay your taxes, but suffer in silence?"

The decision brings to an end an approval process which has taken nearly three years, and which led to one of the worst examples of post code lottery funding. While mesothelioma patients in Scotland, the North West and North East of England received treatment, hundreds of patients were refused treatment in other parts of the UK.

This agonisingly long appraisal process has caused untold distress for hundreds of mesothelioma patients who might have benefited from treatment with Alimta, which, although not a cure for mesothelioma, can extend life and alleviate symptoms for many patients. Average life expectancy from diagnosis for mesothelioma sufferers is 12 months: for many patients this decision has come far too late.

Final guidance will now be issued by NICE so that PCTs will at last be obliged to uniformly provide treatment, although they have the option of a 90-day lead in period following an official announcement by NICE.

Tony Whitston, Chair of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum, commented: "PCTs should respond immediately to NICE’s announcement today and follow Department of Health Guidance which encourages early implementation of NICE guidance. In light of today’s clear and unequivocal decision by NICE it would be perverse for any PCT to refuse a request for treatment after so many years delay and anguish for patients and their families."

Source: http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/News/news.asp?ID=5615