UK residents : Abiraterone

[Guest guest]

Abiraterone

Dear

As you have probably heard already, Abiraterone has been rejected by NICE. This is a very successful drug which is proven to work and we all have to try to get this decision reversed. There is a consultation process into which we can participate. Please contact all of your members and urge them to log onto:

http://guidance.nice.org.uk/TA/Wave26/4/Consultation/DraftGuidance

This will take them to a form in which they can submit their views. If we can produce thousands submissions, NICE will have to take notice. This has to done by February 23rd 2012.

At the moment, Abiraterone is available until 2014, in England only, under the EDF, for chemotherapy failed patients. We have to strive to make it generally available on the NHS.

In your submissions, please try to stress the following

* The potential to increase life by years. Not just 4 months. On the 9 month trail, nobody on the drug died. Men on the placebo arm of the trial started to die after 5 months. Hence 4 months of extra life.

* The ability to help men to keep in employment and not have to claim benefits because of ill heath

* Greatly increased quality of life with much reduced pain

* Very easily administered, just 4 tablets per day, at home (or anywhere else you may be.)

* Very few side affects, (In my own case none)

* No alternative treatments available, the alternative is death.

This is very important for all of us, please try to give it your best shot!

Very best wishes

Hugh

Hugh Gunn

Hon. Treasurer

Prostate Cancer Support Federation