November 7th, 2006

A mesothelioma sufferer from the UK has expressed his disgust at plans to withdraw treatment that has helped to ease his pain and suffering. Mesothelioma is an asbestos related cancer, which is malignant and for which there is currently no cure. However, a variety of treatments have been looked into to extend the lifespan of sufferers and to ease the condition.

The sufferer, who did not want reporters to identify him, said that he has contracted the disease after working as a carriage-works employee, and he had been prescribed Alimta, which is currently the only effective approved treatment to ease the symptoms of the cancer.

Plans to withdraw the drug were announced when officials stated that although the drug was effective the cost of treatment could not be justified.

The man, who comes from York in the UK, stated: "After six treatments I was told that the tumor had stabilized. I've now finished my treatment and I feel great. I think that withdrawing this treatment is terrible - disgusting. This is the only treatment for mesothelioma, and it's the only hope that I have."