Stunell demands drug for asbestos cancer sufferers on the NHS

12.59.52pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Oct 2006

This week, Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell has stepped up Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group's campaign for the drug, Alimta, to be available on the NHS for mesothelioma sufferers.

Commenting on the campaign, Mr Stunell said:

"Trials of the drug, Alimta have shown that it improves the life expectancy and quality of life of people who suffer from mesothelioma, a fatal tumour caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure.

"The use of dangerous forms of asbestos is now illegal, but many people still suffer from breathing in asbestos years and years ago. The NHS should do everything possible to help these victims.

"I hope that this Parliamentary motion will force the Government to allow mesothelioma sufferers free access to the drug."

Tony Whiston from the Greater Manchester Asbestos Victim Support Group commented:

"The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellent (NICE) have agreed that Alimta is an effective treatment for mesothelioma sufferers, but they think that it is too costly.

"Doctors and other professionals have looked at the data and think that it falls within the requirements. This decision would dismiss the only licensed drug for the treatment of mesothelioma.

"Mesothelioma sufferers have lost their health because they were exposed to asbestos. Now they are told that the onlu treatment licensed for use is unaffordable. Something is seriously wrong."

Notes to Editors:

1. For more details of the campaign, please contact Mr Whiston from the Greater Manchester Asbestos Victim Support Group on 0161 6367555.

2. Mesothelioma is a rare and virulent form of cancer that affects the lining of the lung, lining of the abdominal cavity or lining around the heart. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, and occurs in those who have breathed in asbestos fiber, in many cases 20 to 50 or more years ago. Some were exposed on their jobs; others were exposed secondarily through family members who without their knowledge, brought fiber home on their work clothes or on their hair or skin. It is estimated that 250,000 workers in Western Europe alone will have died from mesothelioma by 2029.