Mick Knighton

Mesothelioma

Research Fund

NICE Approves Asbestos Cancer Drug

On the 23/01/08, NICE announces that it has rejected an appeal against its decision to approve the use of Alimta for the treatment of mesothelioma, a fatal tumour of the lung pleura caused by exposure to asbestos.

This decision brings to an end an approval process which has taken nearly three years, and which led to one of the worst examples of post code lottery funding. While mesothelioma patients in Scotland, the North West and North East of England received treatment, hundreds of patients were refused treatment in other parts of the UK.

This agonisingly long appraisal process has caused untold distress for hundreds of mesothelioma patients who might have benefited from treatment with Alimta, which, although not a cure for mesothelioma, can extend life and alleviate symptoms for many patients. Average life expectancy from diagnosis for mesothelioma sufferers is 12 months: for many patients this decision has come far too late.

Final guidance will now be issued by NICE so that PCTs will at last be obliged to uniformly provide treatment, although they have the option of a 90-day lead in period following an official announcement by NICE.

PCTs should respond immediately to NICE’s announcement today and follow Department of Health Guidance which encourages early implementation of NICE guidance. In light of today’s clear and unequivocal decision by NICE it would be perverse for any PCT to refuse a request for treatment after so many years delay and anguish for patients and their families.

We Are Making a Difference

With your help and support a further £200,000 has been raised by the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund to finance major research studies into Mesothelioma through the British Lung Foundation.

Three prestigious research studies are presently being considered by the BLF’s Scientific Committee whose quality of research is considered to be among the best in the world.

The proposed studies, each from differing spectrums of Mesothelioma research will greatly help to improve and develop the progress of future treatment and care for sufferers with Mesothelioma. The project chosen on its merit and significance will be announced in March 2008.

The 2006 Mick Knighton Award is currently being carried out at the Northern Centre for Cancer Research by Dr Albi Ryan is progressing well. The study to help identify which patients will respond to Alimta (pemetrexed) the only licensed drug available to treat the disease or be offered other treatment at time of diagnosis will be a significant asset to patients and their families.

Dr Ryan is a guest speaker at the Action Mesothelioma Conference at Gateshead Civic Centre on 27th February 2008 when he will provide details of the research study’s progress.