Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, welcomed the announcement today by NICE (the National Institute for Healthcare and Clinical Excellence) that they are publishing draft guidance approving the use of the drug Sutent for use in the treatment of kidney cancer. The drug was rejected by NICE in August of last year for use within the NHS. The final decision is expected in March. The drug does not cure kidney cancer, but can extend the life of people in the advanced stages of the disease.
In November of last year Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary announced that NICE should give greater consideration to treatments that extend the life of the terminally ill. A deal was also struck with Pfizer, the manufacturer of Sutent that they will pay for the first six weeks of Sutent with the NHS to continue funding in cases where the treatment proves effective. NICE now accepts that under these conditions Sutent ‘does represent a cost-effective use of NHS resources’.
On the Island the case of John Burrell became prominent after he was refused treatment by Sutent in 2007. The Caring Cancer Trust, a charity stepped forward and offered to fund treatment with the drug but sadly Mr Burrell died in May last year.
Andrew Turner MP said:
“I very much welcome this decision, although it has come too late for Mr Burrell and many other people. The decision last year by NICE to reject Sutent was particularly heartless because they always accepted it was clinically effective and the decision was based on cost alone.
“I raised Mr Burrell’s case in the House of Commons after meeting him and his wife at my surgery. It was one of the first major speeches I made after recovering from my stroke, and under those circumstances it really struck home how precious time with your loved ones is. Mr Burrell was relatively young and very fit until he was taken ill. We can only imagine how truly devastating it must be to have your only hope taken away by a system that you have paid into all your life. My thoughts are with his family today.
“Prior to today’s announcement by NICE the Isle of Wight PCT followed the national policy of rejecting Sutent, whilst some other PCT’s were prepared to consider the suitability of the drug in individual cases. I am particularly glad that this postcode lottery has been ended.”
In their draft guidance NICE have rejected three other drugs, bevacizumab, sorafenib and temsirolimus – as still too expensive for the NHS.
Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808
