Cancer patient told new drug is too costly - News - Evening Standard
       

Cancer patient told new drug is too costly

A woman with cancer has been told she is not allowed a pioneering drug because it costs too much.

Sarah Perez, from Enfield, has undergone repeated courses of chemotherapy since she first developed bowel cancer six years ago.

After a year of good health the cancer has returned and spread to her liver and lungs.

Her oncologist says the only drug that could help is Cetuximab. But Enfield Primary Care Trust will not pay for it, saying it has to balance the drug's chances of success over NHS resources.

Mrs Perez said: "I'm dying and this drug will probably help me."

The drug has been prescribed by other trusts including Barking and Dagenham.

Enfield PCT said: "The evidence was that this treatment would not benefit Mrs Perez."

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