§ Mrs. Bridget PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health in which NHS hospitals high dose marrow ablative chemotherapy with autologous bone marrow rescue is available. [23147]
§ Mr. SackvilleThis information is not available centrally.
278WIt is for clinicians to decide upon the most appropriate form of treatment for each individual patient.
§ Mrs. Bridget PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many specialists in NHS hospitals have dealt with the condition known as PNET; how many of these are paediatric specialists; and what has been the success rate in each case; [23149]
(2) how many specialists in NHS hospitals have dealt with the condition known as glioblastoma multiforme; 279W how many of these are paediatric specialists; and what has been the success rate in each case; [22148]
(3) how many paediatric centers in the United Kingdom currently use high—dose chemotherapy with bone marrow rescue in the treatment of children with malignant brain tumours; [23146]
(4) how many specialists in NHS hospitals have dealt with the condition known as Li Fraumeni syndrome; how many of these are paediatric specialists; and what has been the success rate in each case. [23150]
§ Mr. SackvilleThis information is not available centrally.
However, this is an area where doctors are taking a strong lead in auditing the process and outcome of their care. The United Kingdom children cancer study group, which recently met Department of Health officials, registers cases of childhood cancers treated by its members and acts as an organisation for promoting professional standards in the field of paediatric oncology. Childhood tumours are fortunately uncommon, and some types are rare. The UKCCSG is therefore planning a service to help doctors find the best place to treat rare childhood tumours.
The recent report of the chief medical officer's expert advisory group on cancer recommends increasing specialisation and sub-specialisation in cancer to enhance outcomes.