BEATING BOWEL CANCER’S RESPONSE TO NICE REJECTION OF BOWEL CANCER DRUGS

Beating Bowel Cancer’s response to NICE rejection of bowel cancer drugs

In response to today’s announcement by NICE rejecting the use of the monoclonal antibodies, cetuximab (Erbitux), bevacizumab (Avastin), and panitumumab (Vextibix), for the treatment of advanced bowel cancer, Mark Flannagan, Chief Executive of Beating Bowel Cancer said:

“This is yet another blow for bowel cancer patients. Just as we are calling on the Government to fine hospitals that do not offer a choice of treatments.

“Each year at least 1800 bowel cancer patients are denied a choice of the best treatments available to them.  All bowel cancer patients deserve the best care and that is why where choice is not offered we believe quality payments should be withheld.

“Our recommendation could actually make savings for the NHS and will mean better treatment now and in the future, enabling patients to survive and beat bowel cancer.”

Beating Bowel Cancer’s calls are made in Equity and Excellence for Bowel Cancer a new report published today.  The embargoed press release is below.

For more information, including a copy of the report and interview opportunities, please contact Kate Philipson on 020 8973 0008 or kate.philipson@beatingbowelcancer.org.