Two new cancer drugs recommended
Visit www. ageuk. org. uk and see what the company does to improve later life for everyone through their information and products
(PRWeb UK) June 21, 2010
Sufferers of lung or stomach cancer could benefit, as two new types of cancer treatment are now available in the UK.
People suffering with lung or stomach cancer (http://www. ageuk. org. uk/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/cancer/) could soon receive one of two new drugs, which will be recommended by a medical body.
The National Institute for Health (http://www. nice. org. uk/) and Clinical Excellence (Nice), which provides guidance on the drugs used by the NHS, is recommending the medicines.
One is Iressa, or gefitinib, which can be used by lung cancer patients who have a genetic mutation.
Its manufacturer AstraZeneca will take part in a scheme whereby the NHS will pay £12,200 for patients who take the drug, regardless of how long they need to take it. The first two months are free.
Dr Carole Longson, health technology evaluation centre director at Nice, said: "Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, with around 38,000 people diagnosed every year.
"Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for around 80% of all cases.
"Nice has already recommended a number of treatments for this condition and we are pleased to add gefitinib as an option for patients and their clinicians to consider.
"Gefitinib offers an advantage because it is taken in tablet form, can be taken at home, and would allow patients to carry on with normal daily activities."
The second drug is Xeloda, or capecitabine, which could be used by some of the 8,200 people who suffer with stomach cancer each year. The drug comes in tablet form, which would mean patients would need fewer hospital visits than they currently do.
If you need help and support to deal with cancer (http://www. ageuk. org. uk/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/cancer/help-and-support-cancer/), visit Age Concern’s cancer page. Age Concern offers a range of services which tailor to the retired.
Visit www. ageuk. org. uk and see what the company does to improve later life for everyone through their information and products.
If you need help and support to deal with cancer. visit Age Concern’s cancer page.
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