How NHS drug chiefs' diktat that terminal cancer is only 'moderately severe' has left thousands at risk of missing vital treatment By Ethan Ennals Published: 01:58 BST, 11 August 2024 | Updated: 01:58 BST, 11 August 2024 e-mail View comments A row has broken out between doctors, drug firms and the NHS spending watchdog over its refusal to give the green light to a lifeline drug for women with advanced breast cancer . Medics hailed Enhertu after trials showed it could extend the lives of thousands with one of the hardest to treat forms of the disease, buying them an extra year or more of life. There was a standing ovation when its trial results were announced two years ago at a cancer conference, while campaigners and patient groups welcomed a breakthrough that offers women precious time with loved ones.
But hopes were dashed last week when the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) prevented the drug from receiving NHS funding – a decision the charity Breast Cancer Now called 'a dark day for women with incurable breast cancer'. It accused the NHS of 'failing' patients by 'blocking a vital treatment'. Patients and experts were equally horrified, branding the ruling 'cruel' and 'a huge blow'.
Campaigners in Westminster paint their breasts to send a message that the cancer drug Enhertu should be made available on the NHS Kathryn Hulland, 46, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, two years after the birth of her daughter, Grace, told The Mail on Sunday.