Prostate Cancer UK welcomes final NICE abiraterone decision and urges SMC to follow lead

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Commenting on NICE’s final decision to recommend breakthrough prostate cancer drug abiraterone for routine use on the NHS in England & Wales, Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK (formerly The Prostate Cancer Charity), said:

“We are delighted that NICE’s decision to approve abiraterone for routine use on the NHS in England and Waleshas been confirmed today, and that final guidance has now been published. We urge local health authorities in England and Wales to waste no time in putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure men with advanced prostate cancer can access this drug without delay.

“With Northern Ireland likely to follow suit shortly, it must be remembered that Scotland looks set to be the only part of the UK where this breakthrough treatment remains out of men’s reach. It is crucial that the SMC reviewsits position and makes the right decision for men north of the border as soon as possible. All men with advanced prostate cancer need access to this drug and the precious extra time with loved ones and improved quality of lifeit can bring, regardless of their location in the UK.”