Page last updated at 08:09 GMT, Tuesday, 30 September 2008 09:09 UK

Cancer woman's drug fight appeal

Avastin: Pic NICE
Avastin is a prescribed in other European countries, including France

A French woman living in Devon will find out later if the NHS will pay for a specialist drug to treat her cancer.

Stephanie Chouette from Plymstock is suffering from breast cancer which has spread to her liver and lungs.

Her doctor asked for her to be treated with Avastin which could increase her life expectancy, but the request was refused by the Plymouth NHS PCT.

Ms Chouett's appeal against the decision not to fund the drug at a cost of £2,400 a month will be heard later.

'Exceptional' panel

Avastin has not been approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice).

The drug has been licensed but it is not available on the NHS.

It can be prescribed in the UK in "exceptional" circumstances and Ms Chouette's case was considered, but rejected, by the PCT at an Exceptional Treatment Panel earlier this month.

On a visit to relatives in France this summer, Ms Chouette, 34, was offered Avastin and said she was surprised at how much better she felt.




SEE ALSO
Cancer drug access in your area
24 Sep 08 |  Health
Cancer woman in drugs fight win
02 Feb 08 |  Cornwall
Cancer patient hits out over care
19 Dec 07 |  Cornwall

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