Mesothelioma

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence(NICE) in the UK has decided to give mesothelioma patients access to the NHS, the only licensed drug. This drug has the ability to releive the pain that mesothelioma patients go through and can possibly prolong their life span. Unite, the UK’s biggest union in the UK, has welcomed this decision with open arms.

Alimta, (pemetrexed disodium) is not a cure for malignant pleural mesothelioma, however, clinical trials have shown it to be effective in prolonging life and alleviating distressing symptoms. The NICE Appraisal Committee only a few months ago gave an interim ruling against the continued use of Alimta.

Despite the evidence of clear benefits to mesothelioma suffers, they were not convinced of the cost effectiveness of the drug, and at the time could not recommend it as a treatment option for malignant pleural mesothelioma. This recent decision represents a dramatic turnaround from the position taken just a short while ago by NICE, but what must have been an agonisingly long time for mesothelioma suffers.

Mesothelioma is contracted almost exclusively as a result of exposure to asbestos fibres. Prior to today’s announcement, people in many parts of the country were deprived of this valuable treatment. Unite believes pressure from unions and support groups, as well as sympathetic MP’s tipped the balance in achieving this very sensible result.

Unite Health and Safety Officer Rob Miguel says, “Unite welcomes this decision, and yes we are pleased our support has aided this just cause. But what we are really absolutely delighted about, is that common sense has prevailed with mesothelioma suffers receiving, at least some relief from this most painful of diseases. Primary care trusts should ensure the treatment becomes available as soon as possible, our people have been deprived of this treatment for long enough.”