'Inconsistency' over cancer drug

Sutent has been shown to slow down tumour growth

Decisions made on funding a drug for kidney cancer patients are under review after concerns over inconsistencies in prescribing across Wales were raised.

A study by the medical director of NHS Wales found some areas approved all applications for the drug Sutent, while some nearly always declined them.

Health Minister Edwina Hart has ordered a clinical audit of each case to ensure consistent criteria were applied.

Out of 73 requests for the drug, 48 patients had it rejected.

There were a number of regional variations in prescribing rates.

In Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, every patient was was recommended for the drug by their consultants received it, while in Cardiff, only one out of 13 was successful in their applications.

None of the 14 patients recommended for Sutent in Swansea received it, while three out of seven in north Wales did.

The audit will look first at the decisions in Cardiff and Swansea.

Terminal

In September, former Brecon mayor Christopher Lewis protested at the Senedd, calling for universal access for the drug.

Christopher Lewis protesting at the Senedd over access to the drug Sutent

Mr Lewis, 54, of Chepstow, Monmouthshire, was diagnosed with terminal kidney cancer in May.

His consultant had applied for the drug but was refused by Monmouthshire Local Health Board.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) and the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group have issued initial guidance saying Sutent should not be issued on the NHS due to a lack of evidence on its clinical and cost effectiveness.

Decisions are therefore taken by local health boards on whether to fund the drug after considering the evidence for individual patients.

Nice is currently reconsidering its advice and is expected to issue firm guidance by the end of January.

Ms Hart said: "The past few months have seen concerns raised by members of the public over the availability of a number of drugs used to treat kidney cancer.

"In determining the effectiveness of such drugs and their potential benefit to patients, we are guided by Nice.

"Initial guidance for Sutent and Sorafenib, based on available information was that there was insufficient patient benefit to warrant treatment both on the grounds of effectiveness and cost.

"This guidance has been challenged and Nice are reconsidering their advice in light of further evidence.

"If Nice decides to support the use of these drugs, they will be made available to suitable patients in Wales with immediate effect."