§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what prior advice is given to patients on the potential adverse effects of radiotherapy in their treatment for breast cancer; [59568]
(2) what procedures are in place to ensure patients receive counselling services following the adverse effects of radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer. [59567]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 24 May 2002]: Radiotherapy centres are expected to make available information and advice for patients undergoing radiotherapy.
A cancer information advisory group has been set up to oversee the development, content and availability of information for cancer patients.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is due to publish guidelines on supportive and palliative care in October 2002. This will include guidance on information, communication, psychological and social support.
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the availability of the new breast cancer drug Xeloda in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. [59410]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 24 May 2002]: The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) have been asked to advise on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of capecitabine (Xeloda) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Guidance is due to be disseminated in March 2003, provided there are no appeals.
1093WIn August 1999 the Department issued guidance which asks national health service bodies to continue with local arrangements for the managed introduction of new technologies where guidance from NICE is not available at the time the technology first became available. These arrangements should involve an assessment of all the available evidence.