bongme Posted March 13, 2002 Share Posted March 13, 2002 hi 13th March 2002 A TOP doctor at Manchester's Christie Hospital has warned that cancer sufferers from poorer backgrounds could receive second-class treatment. Dr Mark Saunders made the claim after an announcement that the use of the irinotecan is to be restricted by national medical authorities. NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) has ruled that the drug can no longer be used to treat most colon cancer sufferers. It said there was insufficient evidence of its "clinical and cost effectiveness''''. It means irinotecan, whose trade name is Campto, will only be given to NHS patients if other drugs have failed. Dr Saunders said: "The hardest thing in this decision is that it will be down to us, the healthcare professionals, to tell patients they can’t have the best." He said the ruling would bring a new kind of rationing, where only those patients who can afford private treatment will have access to modern, effective treatments. Bongme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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