Press release 3/2/2009
SUTENT APPROVED.
Patients in England with advanced kidney cancer could soon join their Welsh counterparts in accessing a new drug.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) published revised guidance on the drug Sutent (sunitinib).
Similar advice published last year rejected Sutent for use on the NHS, alongside Avastin (bevacizumab), Nexavar (sorafenib) and Torisel (temsirolimus).
Charities expressed outrage at that decision, saying it left patients only one treatment option - interferon - to which many people do not respond.
Now Nice has revised its guidance, saying Sutent should be approved on the NHS in England but still rejected the other three drugs.
All the guidance is still in a draft stage and is subject to consultation although Nice hopes to issue final advice on Sutent in March.
The medicines do not cure advanced kidney cancer but they can extend a person's life by a matter of months.
Every year, up to 7,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with kidney cancer.
Of these, around 1,700 patients will be diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer and at any one time around 3,600 people are living with the advanced form.
Andrew Dillon, chief executive of Nice, said: "Having decided that one of these treatments should be recommended for use in the NHS, we felt that it was in the interests of patients to get that advice out as quickly as possible. today that Sutent was in the final stages of draft guidance whereas the other drugs were at an earlier stage."
James Whale Fund
About Me
- Jane Thompson
- Hi my name is Jane, I'm 40-something years old and I have just been diagnosed with Kidney Cancer. This Blog is mainly for my benefit, not to be self pitying or self indulgent but because I find it really helps, it’s a kind of therapy for me.
8 comments:
Dear Jane ,that is excellent news .Well done for the part you played ,I'm sure it made a difference ,Iam delighted ...love Jan xx
Everyone should have all access to all drugs, no discrimination. Glad to hear this news.
Here, here!!! I also agree that all patients who need any type of drugs to maintain life, should be provided to them without question.
Now, I have to keep working on this side of the pond for similiar results.
Great work Jane on your part ... you inspire all of us!!!
Debbie
Thats good news.Treatment and drugs should be those suitable for the individual, blanket bans are pointless.
Andy
saw it on the news,thought of you.love mort x
Fabulous news, just think the huge number of people who will benefit.
Yasmin
x
all your hard work has paid off - congratulations Jane! you have made such a difference - give yourself a pat on the back and a huge hug from all of us.
kje from across the pond in Canada
Heard about that first thing on Wednesday, I am so pleased for you. Excellent news, your hard work has paid off.
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