April 16th, 2007

Lawyers from a law firm in the UK have expressed how appalled they are be the decision of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence not to give a recommendation for the use of a drug that has proven effective in the treatment of mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that is caused by exposure to airborne asbestos dust and fibers.

One of the lawyers from Irwin Mitchell stated: "I am appalled at the decision made by NICE today as the drug would allow a large number of mesothelioma sufferers the chance to live longer and reduce their painful symptoms. I am also perplexed because, given the clear evidence of what the drug can do to improve the quality of life of sufferers, it seems wholly unjustified not to recommend the drug for use on mesothelioma patients. In most other European countries, including Scotland, it is the treatment of choice."

The lawyers state that the decision by NICE could end up costing many people with this form of cancer the valuable chance to extend their lives by up to a year. In the past NICE has argued that the cost of the drug cannot be justified and has hence denied its use in the UK, causing outrage among consumer groups.

One lung cancer consultant added: "Yet again NICE have applied their particular costing approach of one size fits all and as a result NHS patients will die prematurely from pleural mesothelioma."