Traceva treatment

2009-06-17T08:52:43Z

Celia/Everyone First of all thank you very much for your reply. I wonder if i could just ask you a bit more? The consultant told me Tarceva is only sanctioned for second line use in lung cancer. He also says he wonders if my dad is well enough to have the usual 'chemo regime'. As Tarceva seems to be more effective, easily adminstered and with less toxic side effects than traditional chemo, i am at a losss to know why he shouldn't be allowed it, so far as i can see it's down to NICE guidelines and politics,money. Why should he be given the harsh chemo in the first place and if it doesn't work (and he's well enough) to cope with anymore treatment then he could be a candidate for Tarceva. Tarceva has been filed by Roche for use as first line treament in lung cancer earlier this year, i'm sure in time it will get the go ahead, like it has in other parts of the world, my worry is timescale! It's unbelievable, he's being denied his rights to a better quality of life. I do feel that the window of opportunity is closing a little each day that goes by. My father has an appointment with the Consultant on Friday 19th June and other than hold a gun to his head and demand Traceva i don't know how to get any further. You mentioned going to my MP do you think this would help put pressure on? Celia could you tell me what traditional and now 'alternative' treatments you have had for your lung cancer and how you are doing? Kindest Regards Craig

How to get Tarceva treatment

2009-06-15T10:25:58Z

My father has been diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer with bone involvement. It's been 8 wks form diagnosis and to date he has had one targeted radiotherapy treatment to reduce bone pain. He has been almost bed bound for 3 wks after the radio with fatigue etc. I spoke with the oncologist after researching Tarceva. He told me he would not prescribe Tarceva as its only used in 2/3nd line treatment. NICE say you have to have chemo first. My worry is that my father is too ill to tolerate traditional chemo and that his best chance is to take a targeted drug which will be more tolerable. As my father has had treatment (radiotherapy) surely additional treatment could be called 2nd line, therefore Tarceva would be justified. It's ludicrous to know that a drug exists that could improve quality of life and prolong it, yet because of guidelines (politics) you have to endure harsh chemo (which has shown limited results) first. Has anyone been succesful in gaining Tarceva on a 1st line treatment basis or similar? Regards Craig

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Traceva treatment

How to get Tarceva treatment