This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-28785250
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Prostate cancer drug ruling a 'fiasco', says charity | Prostate cancer drug ruling a 'fiasco', says charity |
(about 3 hours later) | |
A charity says a decision by the NHS in England to reject a drug for men with prostate cancer is a "fiasco". | A charity says a decision by the NHS in England to reject a drug for men with prostate cancer is a "fiasco". |
Abiraterone is already given to patients at the end-of-life after chemotherapy as it gives patients an extra few months. | Abiraterone is already given to patients at the end-of-life after chemotherapy as it gives patients an extra few months. |
But the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said it was not cost-effective to be offered before. | But the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said it was not cost-effective to be offered before. |
It said while the drug improved quality of life, it was unclear whether it had the same impact on life expectancy. | It said while the drug improved quality of life, it was unclear whether it had the same impact on life expectancy. |
This was due to problems with the research data, NICE said, claiming the trial was finished early - something disputed by the drug's makers Janssen. | This was due to problems with the research data, NICE said, claiming the trial was finished early - something disputed by the drug's makers Janssen. |
'Vital opportunity' | 'Vital opportunity' |
Instead, patients will have to rely on their doctors applying to the Cancer Drugs Fund, a special pot set aside for cancer drugs not routinely available on the NHS. | Instead, patients will have to rely on their doctors applying to the Cancer Drugs Fund, a special pot set aside for cancer drugs not routinely available on the NHS. |
Some 3,000 patients have done this in the last year, but that fund is due to end in 2016. | Some 3,000 patients have done this in the last year, but that fund is due to end in 2016. |
Owen Sharp, chief executive of Prostate Cancer UK, the largest men's health charity, said the whole process was "a fiasco". | Owen Sharp, chief executive of Prostate Cancer UK, the largest men's health charity, said the whole process was "a fiasco". |
He criticised NICE inflexibility and the drug company's results-gathering process, saying: "This decision is a kick in the teeth for men with advanced prostate cancer. | He criticised NICE inflexibility and the drug company's results-gathering process, saying: "This decision is a kick in the teeth for men with advanced prostate cancer. |
"For many this presented a vital opportunity for extra time with loved ones and a chance to delay chemotherapy and the debilitating side-effects which come with it." | "For many this presented a vital opportunity for extra time with loved ones and a chance to delay chemotherapy and the debilitating side-effects which come with it." |
The drug normally costs £3,000 a month, but is given to the NHS for a discounted price after negotiations two years ago when the ruling on its use after chemotherapy was reached. | The drug normally costs £3,000 a month, but is given to the NHS for a discounted price after negotiations two years ago when the ruling on its use after chemotherapy was reached. |
At the time it was hailed as a real breakthrough for patients with aggressive prostate cancer. | At the time it was hailed as a real breakthrough for patients with aggressive prostate cancer. |
But as well as the dispute about the way the research was carried out, this ruling has caused controversy because of the way NICE carried out the assessment. | But as well as the dispute about the way the research was carried out, this ruling has caused controversy because of the way NICE carried out the assessment. |
When it assessed the drug for use after chemotherapy in 2012, NICE adopted its end-of-life criteria, which means it is willing to pay more. | When it assessed the drug for use after chemotherapy in 2012, NICE adopted its end-of-life criteria, which means it is willing to pay more. |
For the latest assessment, it was judged to be a standard treatment. | For the latest assessment, it was judged to be a standard treatment. |
NICE chief executive Sir Andrew Dillon said: "We are disappointed not to be able to recommend abiraterone for use in this way." | NICE chief executive Sir Andrew Dillon said: "We are disappointed not to be able to recommend abiraterone for use in this way." |
The final guidance is expected later in the year, but major changes at this stage are considered unlikely. | The final guidance is expected later in the year, but major changes at this stage are considered unlikely. |
While it will apply to England, the other UK nations also consider NICE's findings. | While it will apply to England, the other UK nations also consider NICE's findings. |
Janssen medical director Dr Peter Barnes said the firm was "very disappointed" and would appeal against the decision. | Janssen medical director Dr Peter Barnes said the firm was "very disappointed" and would appeal against the decision. |
Are you or is someone you know affected by the issues in this story? Email your experiences to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject 'Prostate cancer'. |