SKIN cancer patients in Scotland will be able to access a life-extending drug on the NHS for the first time after the medicines watchdog recommended it for routine use among people whose cancer has spread or become inoperable.
Vemurafenib has been routinely available to patients in England and Wales for a year, but the Scottish Medicines Consortium rejected it for use north of the border in September last year on cost grounds. It is almost £1800 for a week's supply.
The manufacturer appealed the decision and the Consortium's U-turn follows a continuing debate in Scotland about the need to improve patient access to cancer treatments.
Until now, patients in Scotland would only have been able to access vemurafenib on a case-by-case basis if their consultant made a successful Individual Patient Treatment Request to the health board, whereas patients in England and Wales can turn to a ring-fenced cancer drugs fund to apply for medicines not approved by the National Institute For Health And Care Excellence.
Although vemurafenib - brand name Zelboraf - is not a cure, it has been credited with helping to prolong the length of time someone can survive with the disease.
Dr Marianne Nicolson, Consultant Medical Oncologist from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary said: "The decision will enable our patients to benefit from the welcome, long awaited breakthrough in the management of advanced metastatic melanoma."
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