New Breast Cancer Drug for Scots Women Older Sufferers to Benefit From Breakthrough Pill
Posted on: Tuesday, 13 September 2005, 15:00 CDT
BREAST cancer sufferers in Scotland are to benefit from a breakthrough drug.
The Scottish Medicines Consortium has approved Arimidex, which is 25-per cent more effective in older woman than the current treatment Tamoxifen.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which covers the rest of the UK, is understood not to be making a decision on Arimidex until November 2006, though the treatment can still be prescribed.
However, from today 3500 post-menopausal Scots women can benefit from this treatment after surgery, which reduces the risk of breast cancer returning.
Leading breast cancer surgeon Dr Chris Wilson, of Glasgow's Western Infirmary, said:
"This is a defining moment in the treatment of breast cancer and it's exciting that Scotland has taken the lead.
"Women with this particular type of breast cancer will now be among the first in the UK to benefit from access to this more effective drug immediately after surgery."
Lorraine Dallas, national co-ordinator for Breast Cancer Care Scotland, also welcomed the move. She said:
"This is great news for women in Scotland.
"It means all post-menopausal women with early breast cancer will now have equal access to Arimidex after surgery - significantly reducing the chances of postcode prescribing across Scotland."
Around 3500 Scots women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and the new drug reduces the chances of cancer returning by 76- per cent.
Breast cancer patient Anne Brown, from Carnoustie in Angus, said: "It's truly great news for all Scots women affected by breast cancer.
"Getting the most effective treatment from the start was an important factor for me.
"I feel reassured taking Arimidex, knowing I am receiving a very effective drug when I need it most - during the early stages of my disease - when the cancer is most likely to return."
Source: Evening Times; Glasgow (UK)
Related Articles
- Study points to effective melanoma drugs
- St. Louis Cancer & Breast Institute Physician Says Hormone Replacement Therapy Does Indeed Create Breast Cancer Risk
- Bionovo's Publication Tagged As 'Critical Trial' By Leading Journal: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
- Swiss Researchers Report on Promising New Compounds for Cancer Detection and Treatment
- Breast Cancer Accounts for Almost a Third of Cancers in Women
- Ideal doses of IMRT defined to reduce treatment side effects for head and neck cancer
- Help Available on New Drug Benefit
- Retiree Medical Plan Sponsors Anticipate Cost Relief From New Medicare Drug Benefit
- Bush Boosts Drug Benefit for Seniors
- Medicare Drug Benefit Letters Due
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds