The analysis in the Annals of Oncology journal looked at 29 cancer drugs approved for 47 different types of treatment (known as indications), some of which were approved to treat more than one cancer. Prof Richard Sullivan, of the institute of cancer policy at King’s College London, one of the authors, said the Cancer Drugs Fund had been “a massive health error”. The Institute of Cancer Research, which has carried out trials on many important cancer drugs, did not defend the fund. “The new, more evidence-based system, where Nice appraises all cancer drugs, should address some of the issues highlighted in this study. “It remains a constant uphill battle for people living with incurable breast cancer to get the drugs they so desperately need.

Source: The Guardian April 28, 2017 05:26 UTC