The lack of equality in accessing treatments for cancer in the UK has been highlighted by a government report. The House of Commons' select committee on science and technology's sixth report says that it is "unacceptable" that drugs which could improve the length and quality of cancer patients' lives are only available to some of those who could benefit.
The committee, whose report was published on July 25, adds that it is not convinced that the NICE guidance will ensure national availability of recommended treatments. It says that the Government should ensure that its follow-up procedures require all health authorities to provide anti-cancer treatments which are approved by the NICE where the patient's consultant regards them as clinically appropriate. In order to do this, the committee recommends that full additional funding of the NICE-approved treatments should be provided to all health authorities.
Other issues regarding the NICE which are highlighted by the report include the suggestion that it examines complementary therapies for cancer care and that the NICE guidance on drug treatments is issued at the same time as the granting of marketing approval.
The committee says that the low level of use of the latest anti-cancer drugs in the UK discourages pharmaceutical industries from investing in clinical trials. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has welcomed this point. Dr Richard Tiner (medical director, ABPI) said: "As the committee reports, the UK spends very little on anti-cancer drugs, by the standards of other European countries and the US. This low use of medicines means that pharmaceutical companies prefer to conduct their clinical trials in other countries." He added: "More widespread use of modern medicines would not just benefit patients today, but also those in the future, if the UK could again become a suitable location for clinical trials to be carried out."
The full report can be found at www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm199900/cmselect/cmsctech/332/33202.htm.