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To: the Prime Minister Rt Hon David Cameron MP

Save the drugs under review on the Cancer Drug Fund list

Up to half the medicines available through the Cancer Drug Fund could be ruled too costly to be given to patients.

The fund was set up in 2010 so that life-saving drugs considered too expensive for routine NHS use would still be available to patients who would benefit from them most.

With costs £40 million over budget last year and doubts being raised about the cost effectiveness of some of the drugs an overhaul has now been ordered by NHS England. Of the 80 drugs available, 42 are to be reviewed.

The Coalition Government started the fund with a £200 million annual budget and £750 million has been spent overall. An increase of the budget to £280 million has been agreed but there is recognition overspends will continue unless the cost of some of the drugs are capped.

Patients already receiving drugs will continue to get them but new patients are likely to find the range of medicines available to them reduced this really is a post code lottery.

NHS England hopes the review will force pharmaceutical companies to reduce the costs of some of the drugs.

Why is this important?

I have Leukaemia and am treated with one of the drugs on the list for review. I know that I won't loose it, but many of us with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia and other Cancers are worried about the future and also patients newly diagnosed who may not get these life saving drugs at all. You can't put a price on drugs that will give you prolonged life for many years.
We urge the Prime Minister The Rt. Hon David Cameron to keep to his promise to keep these invaluable drugs going either in the CDF or generally through the NHS.

How it will be delivered

To No 10 Downing Street

England

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Category

Updates

2014-11-27 21:40:17 +0000

Hi All
Just after 24 hours we reached our first target of 1000 and am hopeful that we will reach the target of at least 20,000. I am very passionate about this as I have had to struggle for one of my drugs a few years ago to get it. I have been lucky but I need to help others who are just starting there journey. At a a time when you have just been told you have Cancer or Leukaemia and are trying to come to terms with the diagnosis you are shot another bolt and told you may or may not get the drug needed to stay alive. I be been there I know how it feels so I'm trying to make it better for others. Please help me and ask others to sign this petition. You signatures will make a difference.
Best wishes
Steven Davies

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/CDF-review

2014-11-26 20:57:34 +0000

1,000 signatures reached

2014-11-26 06:36:46 +0000

500 signatures reached

2014-11-25 20:52:26 +0000

100 signatures reached

2014-11-25 20:15:45 +0000

50 signatures reached

2014-11-25 19:58:17 +0000

25 signatures reached

2014-11-25 19:48:09 +0000

10 signatures reached