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Thursday, 24 January 2008, 14:37 GMT

Cancer man pleas for drug funding

Mike Gray A man with cancer is hoping to overturn a decision to fund a drug which will prolong his life.

Mike Gray, who has terminal bowel cancer, is paying for cetuximab himself which costs £3,400 per fortnight.

The drug is not a cure and the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) said it was not cost effective.

Mr Gray, 53, from Buckie in Moray, will ask NHS Grampian to re-consider its decision to fund the treatment that is keeping him alive.

NHS Grampian accepted the advice of the SMC and refused to fund Mr Gray's treatment.

However, that could change following a meeting in the Aberdeenshire village of Insch.

The exceptional circumstances panel of NHS Grampian will consider a plea from Mr Gray and his cancer consultant that his case does merit special consideration.

Mr Gray, whose cancer has now spread to his liver and lungs, will find out their decision on Friday.



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Related to this story:
Weighing up the cost of treatment (25 Nov 07 |  Scotland )
Lifestyle 'a big impact on drugs' (18 Jan 08 |  Health )
Call for quicker drug decisions (10 Jan 08 |  Health )

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NHS Grampian
Scottish Medicines Consortium
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