Lawyers Urge Work Needs To Continue To Make Medication Available To Patients
Specialist lawyers who have helped patients in access vital drugs to support their treatment have welcomed news that the breast cancer medication Perjeta has been licensed for women in the early stages of the disease, but have urged work must continue to ensure everyone has access to the drug.
The breast cancer drug that almost doubles the eradication of tumours and lengthens survival is currently available privately and may be accessed by women with advanced cancer through the NHS Cancer Drug Fund, as it has not yet been completely appraised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice).
According to Dr Andrew Wardley, oncologist at the Christie NHS Foundation in Manchester, breast cancer therapy has the “greatest impact in the early stage”; highlighting the importance of ensuring the drug is available for all.
The news of Perjeta license comes ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month which begins on 1 October until 31 October, and focuses on raising awareness and vital funds to help fight against one of the most common cancers in the UK.
Commenting on the news, Yogi Amin, a specialist public lawyer at Irwin Mitchell said it was vital that everything is done to make sure the drug is available to everyone.