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Cancer patient denied 'too costly' drug
A MAN with terminal cancer has been refused a drug on the NHS that could extend his life – despite offering to pay part of the cost himself.
David Swain's offer to meet the monthly 2,000 cost of Erbitux was refused, he said, because the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) ruled it was too expensive.
Now the father-of-four from Long Clawson, Leicestershire, is set to appeal. He said: "I could not fault the care I have had at the Leicester Royal Infirmary but they can't prescribe a drug without funding.
"The frustrating thing is that after two months they would know if it's to be any good or not. If it was not doing anything I would come off it."
Mr Swain has undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy since being diagnosed with inoperable bowel cancer two and a half years ago.
But his condition has worsened, with the tumour pressing against his spine, and a doctor has recommended Erbitux.
But the Mr Swain has been told he must pay the full 10,000-a-month bill for his treatment if he wants the drug.
In a statement, Leicestershire County and Rutland NHS Primary Care Trust said: "We follow national guidelines which do not allow individuals to part-fund NHS care."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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