WITHDRAWAL OF ERYTHROPOIETIN AS A TREATMENT FOR CANCER THERAPY INDUCED ANAEMIA

Early day motion 1862, tabled 21 March 2006 by Dai Havard (Labour). Signed by 51 members.

That this House is dismayed at the final recommendation, subject to appeal, from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to withdraw erythropoietin (EPOs) as an approved treatment for cancer induced anaemia; notes that this decision will have a hugely detrimental effect on the quality of life of UK cancer sufferers, interfering with courses of cancer treatment and undermining the National Cancer Plan; understands that blood transfusions are the only suitable alternative for treatment; is concerned that this decision is in direct contravention of the Chief Medical Officer's advice that alternatives to blood transfusions should be sought due to the UK's already restricted blood supply; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Health and NICE to consider the wider implications of how supportive care drugs and therapies should be reviewed to give UK patients access to a treatment that is an accepted standard of care across Europe.

Signatures by party: Labour 34, Conservative 9, Liberal Democrat 6, DUP 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.