Newbury Today (KC) 10-Dec-08
From Kidney Cancer Resource
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Cancer drug fight was worth it, patient claims
A cancer sufferer from Hamstead Marshall says his improving condition justified his fight for treatment
A HAMSTEAD MARSHALL man who battled health bosses for a life-prolonging drug says his improving condition justified his fight for treatment. Ian Walker successfully lobbied West Berkshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) to fund Sutent, a drug which could help fight his kidney cancer. The PCT rejected his initial bid for funding, claiming it was not ‘cost-effective’ to provide Mr Walker with the drug, which costs £3,500 for each dose. However, he won an appeal against the decision in June and now scans have shown the treatment is improving his condition. Grandfather-of-four Mr Walker said: “It was a death sentence I didn’t get the drug, so the pressure we put on the PCT was justified. They talked about weighing up the clinical and cost-effectiveness of decisions, but I think it’s the latter that governs their thinking. "The PCTs have a difficult job, but they have to appreciate I was going to fight hard and as dirty as I want to keep my life.” Mr Walker applied for funding for Sutent after being diagnosed with the condition last year. The drug is taken in cycles and has been shown in some cases to extend sufferers’ lives. The PCT is one of several across the UK to reject funding Sutent for patients and suggested other drugs, which doctors said would not help his cancer. However, since starting his treatment in the summer, scans have shown Mr Walker’s cancer has not spread. Mr Walker also said his four-weekly series of doses had demonstrated little side-effects, although he had on occasions lost his sense of taste, meaning his beloved tipple had been put to one side. He said: “I enjoy my beer, but not tasting it isn’t a price when I would rather be alive. I’m aware that the cancer may get worse again, but you have to put that aside. I get scared occasionally, but I have to be positive.” Mr Walker attends the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, which bills the PCT for funding when he picks up the drugs from its pharmacy. He also attends help groups for fellow sufferers there and hopes his experiences fighting for the drug could help others. He said: “I almost feel ashamed that I have access to the drug when others have been denied. But if I say I’m thriving on the treatment and go for it yourself, that will inspire other people. Mr Walker says he will have further information on his long-term prognosis early next year.
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