Published at 10:55, Friday, 15 February 2008

THE WIFE of a Workington cancer victim who spent the last months of his life fighting for a new drug to be made available on the NHS is dismayed that it may now be withdrawn.

Pensioner Harry White died in December last year following a long battle with lung cancer.

But his wife Jean, of Westfield Drive, believes that they had an extra six or seven months together thanks to the life-prolonging drug Tarceva.

Harry, who was 73, had battled to persuade Cumbrian health chiefs to eventually make the medication available on the NHS.

But it has emerged that they may have to change their decision in line with controversial national advice.

Tarceva, also known as Erlotinib, helps to delay the development of lung cancer, prolonging and improving the quality of life for many patients.

Initially Mr White was refused the drug on the NHS, even though it was available to patients in Scotland.

His family was forced to launch a countywide fund raising campaign, which saw local people unite to pay for the £1,600-a-month medication.

Eventually, his efforts to change the rules paid off and health chiefs in Cumbria and the north east of England agreed to make the drug available independently of national guidelines.

But on Monday, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) published draft proposals which would force local NHS bosses to withdraw the drug.

This guidance – which must first go out to public consultation – says that the drug is not a cost-effective use of NHS resources compared to the standard treatment.

Mrs White said that after everything her husband went through to get the drug, she is dismayed they are even considering withdrawing it, particularly on cost grounds.

“I’m sad to hear that,” she said.

“I keep saying to people that Harry didn’t die in vain, that at least we helped to get the drug so that other people can benefit.

“In the end it was a bit late for him but we took comfort from knowing that others wouldn’t have to fight on like we did to get this drug.

“I think it should be down to patient choice. We’re talking about people’s lives here.

“We both said that taking the Tarceva gave Harry and me an extra six or seven months .

“It’s not a long time but to us every day was precious.

“I would sign any petition and do anything I could to stop them withdrawing it. I know how important it is.

“Harry had a much better quality of life because of it. He didn’t even look ill a lot of the time,” she said.

For the time being Tarceva will still be assessed on individually by local primary care trusts.

But, once the NICE guidance is formally published later this year, all trusts will have to follow its recommendations.

n The public consultation runs until March 3. To read the full guidance and comment, visit www.nice.org.uk.

Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk