UK government makes cancer drug U-turn

Suffers of mesothelioma, a lung cancer linked with asbestos exposure, have welcomed the government’s U-turn.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) reversed its decision after examining new evidence on Alimta. The government body originally decided in 2006 that the drug was not cost-effective, and recommended its use only for clinical trials. Alimta’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly, as well as charities and support groups appealed this decision.

The drug will now be recommended for patients who can carry out day-today tasks but whose cancer is advanced and unsuited to surgery.