MP backs call from family
HIGH Peak MP Tom Levitt has called upon the National Institute for
Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to give approval for Alimta, a
drug that is known to help sufferers of a rare form of cancer to live a
better quality of life.
One of those who would benefit would be Ethel Hallam from Whaley
Bridge, who doctors say is a suitable patient for receiving the drug,
but Derbyshire PCT refused to fund it as NICE has not yet approved the
treatment.
Mr Levitt was one of over 40 MPs who went to listen to patients and
their families, supporters and doctors, including Mrs Hallam's daughter
Louise Dowd and her husband Paul, put forward the case for approving
the drug.
"Ten days ago I had never heard of Alimta," admits Mr Levitt, "but this
afternoon has convinced me that it would be a travesty if approval for
it is withheld.
"These special cases are people with mesothelioma caused by asbestos, so it is a man-made disease.
"Although there is evidence that some lives can be prolonged and
tumours reduced by Alimta, it is clear that most people treated with
the drug do find life easier. Their families therefore cope better and
care costs are reduced as a result of its use."
Mr Levitt has written to NICE, and the group of MPs in the support group plan to meet the Health Secretary.
"We have seen before how NICE take a very narrow view of cost
effectiveness. In this case, relatively few people will use Alimta but
they will benefit significantly in ways which are difficult to measure.
I think the balance of approval should be tipped in favour of patients
like Ethel, whom I have known for many years," said Mr Levitt.
He added that dozens of constituents had backed the family's case in letters and emails to his office over the last week.
Victims lobby Commons
PRESSURE groups lobbied parliament on Tuesday in a bid to ensure the only licensed treatment for mesothelioma is not withdrawn.
Louise Dowd, who mum Ethel Hallam has been denied the treatment,
currently provided in many parts of the country, was one of those to
press the case at a meeting with 44 MPs.
Although The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
(NICE) agree that Alimta is effective, it has not approved its use
because they say that it is too expensive.
Derbyshire Primary Care Trust has refused to pay for Mrs Hallam's
treatment. If she lived in Stockport instead of Whaley Bridge, however,
she would be eligible – because the Care Trust there will fund it.
Many patients' organisations and doctors argue that on a correct use of the data, Alimta meets the cost criteria used by NICE.
The Forum of Asbestos Victims Support Groups went to parliament to
speak to MPs before an appeal on NICE's decision is made on October 27.
Louise said: "There was a very good debate and there was also an explanation of the drug by an oncologist."
The MPs asked for additional information to be provided and will then
take the issue up with the Secretary of State for Health Patricia
Hewitt.
"So many concerns were raised about this report. They said 'give us the
evidence and we will support you'," said Louise. "There were a lot of
stories from people like myself to say this is wrong."
Among those who attended was Diane McLellan and her sister Lynne Squibb,
whose father David Salisbury was denied the treatment. He died in
December, ten months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Diana said: "We feel that it is a disgrace that people who get this
dreadful disease through no fault of their own, (only through the
negligence of others) are not being given access to a treatment which
could give a better quality of life."
Reports by Emma Downes, Johanna Dollerson and Louise Bellicoso
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