BBC says Local NHS Withheld Cancer Drugs
September 29, 2008 10:57 AM
A BBC survey of 149 Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) found that there is a wide disparity in the availability of cancer drugs.
In some cases-including Richmond- the five drugs surveyed (Avastin, Erbitux, Nexavar, Sutent, Tarceva) are being refused. Richmond is one of the five PCTs identified in London as withholding the drugs.
Vince Cable said he; "was surprised by the findings since the local PCT has a stronger financial position than most others in London. Nor I have I recently encountered any local individual cases where this is a problem. The only case I am dealing with at present is of a Whitton constituent who can not obtain Avastin and Erbitux (used for colon cancer particularly) from Hounslow PCT. I have however contacted Richmond PCT to find out the position."
