Published on 01/12/2011
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved a drug for use on the NHS for people with a common type of lymphoma.
Rituximab, marketed as MabThera by Roche, is already approved by NICE for use in combination with a particular type of chemotherapy. The new guideline widens the option of prescribing Rituximab in combinations with other types of chemotherapy.
The drug is targeted therapy prescribed to people with follicular lymphoma, a common cancer of the lymphatic system. Rituximab helps patients live longer, as well as improving their quality of life.
The average diagnosis age for follicular lymphoma is 60, and most people are diagnosed when the cancer has spread and is no longer curable.
NICE has now deemed rituximab cost effective for the NHS. The average cost per cycle of rituximab is £1,222, and NICE estimates a cost of £10,800 for every year of life gained, combined with chemotherapy.
Whilst private medical insurance will often fund drugs not approved by NICE, some policies will not cover targeted cancer drugs which are readily available on the NHS.
As Health Insurance Magazine explains, Bupa’s NHS Cancer Cover Plus for example is designed to fund access to treatments specifically not available on the NHS.
If you compare health insurance quotes online with ActiveQuote you will be able to see exactly what is covered on each policy, and tailor the options to suit your needs and budget.
© ActiveQuote Health Ltd. 2011
Categories: Medical,
NHS and Hospitals
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