Cut the red tape denying NHS cancer patients life-extending drugs, campaigners blast
HEALTH chiefs are being urged to cut red tape that is denying NHS cancer patients drugs that could prolong their lives.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is accused of setting an “impossibly high bar” for approving new medicines for people with incurable tumours.
Charities are pleading for bosses to pull down the restrictions in its board meeting on Wednesday.
But board papers show it is unlikely to budge after an internal review found the system is “working as intended”.
A new “severity modifier” in NICE paperwork means some meds for terminally ill people are not considered value for money because they do not extend their lives by enough.
As a result, breast cancer drug Enhertu and myeloma blood cancer drug IsaPD have been rejected for use in hundreds of patients in England.
They are available on the NHS in Scotland and also across Europe.
A deep injustice is at play
Rachel Franklin
Rachel Franklin, of Breast Cancer Now, said: “This is denying patients precious hope of more time to live.
“A deep injustice is at play.”
Shelagh McKinlay, from Myeloma UK, added: “It’s hugely unfair for someone who could live less than 24 months without treatment to be denied the very thing that could give them more time with their loved ones.”
The Association for the British Pharmaceutical Industry has also called for NICE to change the rule.
It warns it will have a “chilling effect” and put companies off trying to bring new drugs to the NHS.
Watchdog argues firms should drop prices
Executive director David Watson, said: “The concern was that this would cause blockages for cancer and that’s what has happened.
“The concern now is that it repeats itself.
“The NHS needs to be able to get the best medicines.”
NICE blames pharmaceutical companies for charging too much for their drugs.
A spokesperson said: “The fastest and only guaranteed way to get effective medicines to the patients who need them is for companies to offer fair pricing. ”
Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha joins fight
“WE won’t give up until everyone who needs access to this drug has it,” vows Nadia Sawalha after taking her fight for a “life-extending” cancer drug to the heart of Westminster.
The Loose Women star, 59, has joined forces with her close friend Hannah Gardner, 37, a mum who has incurable breast cancer, after learning Enhertu has been blocked for use on the NHS in England.
Hitting out at the postcode lottery, Nadia told Sun Health: “While Nice is still thinking, cancer cells are multiplying and women are dying.
“This health inequality in England is devastating.
“I’d say to Nice, ‘If this was your daughter, how would you feel when you say this isn’t worth the money for the extra time?’.”
Hannah, a former clinical trial manager from Twickenham, South West London, who is married to firefighter Peter, 37, has been told by her oncologist that the drug is now her best remaining option.
Hannah said: “The thought of leaving my daughter [Lilah Rae, three] keeps me awake at night.
“It also keeps me going with this campaign because she is not being robbed of her mummy for a second longer than she needs to.
“It’s exhausting to have to fight like this but the utter frustration is driving me at the moment.”
On March 18, Hannah held a private meeting with Commons leader Penny Mordaunt and Tory MP Craig Tracey, Chair Of The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer.