Patients denied lung cancer drug

Ciaran Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support said in response to the decision: “We are disappointed that NICE has now ruled against the use of Tarceva for lung cancer patients and that some patients who could benefit from the drug will not now receive it.

“Lung cancer is a devastating disease with few treatment options in its advanced stage. Tarceva provides another option and can give some patients extra time which can be extremely valuable to patients and their families.”

Cancerbackup and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation jointly appealed against the initial decision to not recommend the use of Tarceva last year.