Anger over withdrawal of asbestos drug

A decision to withdraw a drug which can prolong the lives of patients affected by exposure to asbestos was today condemned by Norfolk families and campaigners. Alimta has been licensed for use, but the NHS's National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) said it was not cost effective. Alimta, in combination with another drug, Cisplatin, is the only treatment for patients suffering from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by breathing in asbestos fibres. The disease claims most of its victims within a year of diagnosis.The news has angered Eileen Wharton, 61, whose husband is suffering from an asbestos-related illness.Brian Wharton, 66, was an electrician with the former Norwich Electrical in Exeter Street in the 1950s and 1960s when he came into contact with asbestos. Three years ago he was diagnosed with pleural plaques, a benign scarring of the lung lining. Mrs Wharton, of Piper Road, Thorpe St Andrew, said: “I don't think it's right to ban it. If there is a drug that can extend people's lives it should be available, no matter how much it costs.”Kim Daniels, who runs asbestos claims at Corrie's solicitors in Yorkshire and is working for Mr Wharton, said: “Alimta has been used successfully to delay the progress of mesothelioma for the past few months. There has been a campaign to make sure it's available for mesothelioma victims.“Any decision to ban use of the drug would be an absolute tragedy. This condition affects people, some of whom are only in their 30s and 40s, and even if it only buys them a few more months, it's time they can be with their children or grandchildren.”Norwich solicitor Godfrey Morgan, whose firm deals with asbestos cases, said: “How can they put a price on it? These people are only on short lifespans anyway.”Tony Whitston, of the English Association of Asbestos Victim Support Groups, said: “It seems wrong that Nice can just tell patients they can't have a drug that works, particularly when it is the only option.”Some patients have been given the drug since its launch 18 months ago, but many health authorities have banned it before a decision by Nice. A Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital spokeswoman said: “None of our patients is taking the new drug. It has yet to be approved by Nice, which is due to announce its decision in October 2006.”An 18-week course of treatment costs the NHS £8,000, and the annual cost to treat all UK patients would be £4 million.A Nice spokesman said: “Nice is aware that mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by occupational exposure and for which limited treatment options are available. “However, the independent appraisal committee's review of the data available on the clinical and cost effectiveness of pemetrexed disodium suggests there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that Pemetrexed plus Cisplatin is better than other, less costly treatment regimens that are being used to treat mesothelioma.” The Evening News' Dust of Death Asbestos Action campaign was launched in 1997, supported by Norwich North MP Ian Gibson.Are you trying to get compensation for an industrial disease? Call David Bale on (01603) 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk