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Chris Knighton will address MPs and medical experts in Westminster tomorrow

 

Wallsend widow Chris Knighton will address MPs and medical experts in Westminster tomorrow (Tuesday, June 5).

Mesothelioma Meeting

Chris, who founded the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, will tell the delegates about the challenges of living with asbestos-related disease mesothelioma and her views on how the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) can improve its decision making process.

The meeting comes as NICE considers guidance for mesothelioma chemotherapy drug Alimta.

There is no cure for mesothelioma but Alimta is said to extend the lives of those suffering the cancer of the lining of the lung.

Alimta is currently only available in some parts of the country on the NHS, including the North East, Liverpool and London. Earlier this year Nice did not recommend Alimta for use across the NHS.

But following an appeal to Nice by Alimta manufacturers Eli Lilly, Nice said it would take another look at the drug and its appraisal committee would look at the way cost per life gained was calculated.

Nice is not expected to return further guidance on the drug until September this year.

The meeting will be attended by Newcastle Central MP Jim Cousins, Gateshead MP Sharon Hodgson, Lord Walton of Detchant and Baroness Masham.

Delegates from GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Sharpe & Dohme and Eli Lilly will also attend.

Mesothelioma and Alimta

Chris said: "This is an exciting opportunity to tell influential members of parliament about mesothelioma and how it affects families across the UK.

"It is also a chance for me to present the case for Alimta on behalf of those on the front line living with the disease.

"I hope to make the point that Alimta not only benefits a patient clinically but also gives patients a quality of life gain. If you know there is no cure then to be able to spend the few precious months you have left free from pain and able to spend time with loved ones is something you can't put a price on.

"I will tell them that by denying patients the opportunity of the only licensed drug available to treat their condition forces health professionals to use other unlicensed treatments.

"It will also mean future research into mesothelioma will be halted and all the work and commitment achieved over the last few years will be wasted and once again mesothelioma sufferers will simply be sent home to die."

 

Industrial Disease Compensation

If you or a member of your family have been affected by mesothelioma, or any other asbestos related disease, our specialist lawyers may be able to assist you in claiming compensation.

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