FUNDING FOR PRIMARY CARE TRUSTS TO PROVIDE HERCEPTIN

Early day motion 1020, tabled 14 November 2005 by Lord Lansley (Conservative). Signed by 76 members.

That this House welcomes the decision of North Stoke Primary Care Trust (PCT) to fund the cancer drug Herceptin for Ms Elaine Barber; expresses concern over recent reports that many women with breast cancer are being denied funding for Herceptin; believes that all women suffering from both early-stage and advanced breast cancer should have access to Herceptin where it is clinically appropriate; notes that a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that where women are HER2 positive Herceptin can cut the risk of breast cancer returning in women by up to half; recognises that, although Herceptin is not yet licensed for early-stage breast cancer, many clinicians are prepared to accept liability for prescribing it; notes with concern that many PCTs are already burdened by deficits and unable to provide the drug; and therefore calls on the Government to make funding available for PCTs to provide Herceptin for early-stage breast cancer until such time as the drug is approved by NICE.

Signatures by party: Conservative 54, Labour 10, DUP 5, Liberal Democrat 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.