Watchdog proposes cancer treatment funding scheme

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) has recommended a novel funding scheme which would mean patients no longer have to pay for the cancer treatment Velcade.

Nice has issued draft guidance recommending that all suitable patients with multiple myeloma should be offered the drug free of charge, but that the drug's manufacturer should refund the cost of the cancer treatment for any patients showing a "minimal or no response".

The guidance follows an initial rejection of the drug six months ago when Nice claimed that the treatment was not cost-effective, meaning that cancer patients were forced to seek private treatment if they wished to take the drug.

Nice chief executive Andrew Dillon commented: "If the drug's manufacturer accepts the proposals we are consulting on today, it will mean that when the drug works well the NHS pays but when it doesn't the manufacturer should bear the cost."

Cancer Research UK has welcomed the guidance and commended Nice for recommending the "innovative" approach to funding.

"It is essential that patients get access to treatments that will benefit them," said Harpal Kumar, the charity's chief executive.
  
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