USE OF ALIMTA TO TREAT MESOTHELIOMA

Early day motion 2253, tabled 24 May 2006 by Michael Clapham (Labour). Signed by 79 members.

That this House is concerned by the preliminary guidance given by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on Alimta, the drug used in the treatment of mesothelioma cancer caused by exposure to asbestos; is aware of the wide geographical variation in the availability of the drug and that the Scottish Medicines Consortium and the London Cancer New Drugs Group have already approved the use of Alimta; notes that initial results suggest it has been successful in increasing life expectancy and improving the quality of life of patients; supports the Trades Union Congress in its view that the estimated impact on the NHS of £3 million in the current year and around £5 million by the end of the decade is a small cost to pay for treatment that makes such a difference; and urges that Alimta be made universally available for the treatment of mesothelioma in the UK.

Signatures by party: Labour 62, Liberal Democrat 8, Conservative 3, DUP 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1.