British Agency Vetos Routine Use of 3 Chemotherapy Drugs for Colon Cancer

The agency that evaluates drugs for Britain's National Health Service has rejected routine use of three chemotherapy drugs for colorectal cancer patients, drawing angry responses from doctors and patient groups.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence ruled that oxaliplatin can only be used as a first-line combination treatment when the cancer has spread to the liver.

Another drug irinotecan is not recommended for routine first-line treatment but can have limited use in second line treatment of the disease, the agency said.

A third drug, raltitredex, is not recommended for use outside clinical studies, the agency ruled.

The head of Colon Cancer Concern said the ruling meant patients in the United Kingdom would get inferior treatment compared with much of Europe and the United States.

"The survival of colorectal cancer in the UK is poor compared to the rest of Europe and will continue to be so if we are unable to use the best modern therapy," said Professor Jim Cassidy of Glasgow University."

Other Sources: Press Association