Concerns Over Access to New Cancer Treatment in Northern Ireland
A prominent cancer researcher has expressed concern that patients in Northern Ireland may face disparities in treatment availability, describing the situation as a potential "postcode lottery". This comes as a new injectable form of the immunotherapy drug Keytruda is being introduced across other regions of the UK.
The innovative treatment is anticipated to greatly reduce the duration thousands of NHS patients spend receiving care in hospitals.
Professor Mark Lawler, affiliated with Queen's University Belfast, emphasized that the scientific community will advocate strongly for patients to gain swift access to this medication.
The Department of Health (DoH) in Northern Ireland has acknowledged awareness of the injectable therapy and stated it is actively "exploring" options to make the drug available to patients "as soon as possible."
What is Keytruda?
Keytruda is an immunotherapy drug currently used to treat multiple types of cancer. It functions by enhancing the body's immune system to target and attack cancer cells.
Since 2015, NHS patients have received Keytruda via intravenous infusion, a process that can take over an hour to complete in a hospital setting.
The new injectable form of the drug is being rolled out to patients in England and Wales starting Monday, targeting treatment for more than a dozen different cancers.
NHS England has indicated that the new injection reduces administration time to just a few minutes, thereby saving valuable time for both patients and healthcare staff.
Described as 'Revolutionary'
Professor Lawler, who has over 30 years of experience in cancer research, spoke on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme about the significance of the new drug form.
"It's something that's revolutionary in a way.
A really novel approach to treating cancer which is probably the biggest development in the last 25 years in terms of immunotherapy."
He further noted the benefits extend beyond patients, stating:
"It's good news for patients but also good news for the health system, because the health system can then do things much more quickly."
However, Professor Lawler expressed disappointment that the drug is not yet available in Northern Ireland.
"The first thing we need to do is get it for Northern Ireland… we don't want yet another postcode lottery.
We really need to set the scene so that if we're in the UK we get the same treatment whether we're in Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford or Burton-on-Trent,"
he added.
He also mentioned discussions with colleagues in Scotland who share similar frustrations over access delays.
"I've spoken to my colleagues in Scotland and they're equally as annoyed as I am that we're not getting this to our patients.
I'm delighted that the DoH are looking for ways to get the [drug] approach to patients in Northern Ireland, and we're certainly happy to help in anyway that way we can."
Financial Considerations and Benefits
Regarding the reasons for the delay in Northern Ireland, Professor Lawler refrained from making definitive statements but offered his perspective.
"I can't specifically comment on whether the reason Northern Ireland does not have it yet is due to departmental finances, but that would be my sense of the issue."
He speculated that funding may be a factor but emphasized the importance of recognizing the potential cost savings and improved care the treatment offers.
"I'm guessing part of the thing is in relation to funding, but it's also important to recognise - sometimes you have to actually look at something and say 'this is something that is going to help save money for both the health system, and also deliver the best possible care for cancer patients' - surely that's a win-win situation?
I understand there are issues but we are giving out about waiting times, this is one approach that would actually save us some time,"
he added.
Professor Lawler also addressed logistical concerns.
"Certainly the capacity isn't an issue because it saves time… it's not a logistical problem, it must be a financial problem."
