A WORCESTER cancer charity is fighting against a recent decision by the Government's health advisory group not to release a key cancer drug for NHS distribution.

Leukaemia CARE, a national charity based in Blackpole, is one of four major national UK cancer charities fighting the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's (NICE) decision not to make Bortezomib available on the NHS.

Instead, NICE say the drug, which improves and prolongs the lives of thousands of cancer patients with a form of leukaemia called multiple myeloma, should only be given to those patients taking part in clinical trials.

Leukaemia CARE, together with The International Myeloma Foundation, the Leukaemia Research Fund and Cancerbackup have jointly responded formally to NICE to ask that the decision be reviewed, saying they are fighting for the best interests of patients with multiple myeloma. Tony Gavin, chief executive of Leukaemia CARE, said: "We feel that the impact of this decision hasn't quite been fully understood and are not quite sure why it has been made.

"This drug plays a huge role in the treatment of myeloma, which is a significant, albeit specialised cancer of the blood, affecting a defined patient group in this country.

"We are arguing that Bortezomib should be available as a treatment option at first relapse where it has been shown to be most effective. Not to have it available on the NHS is devastating news for those living with this disease."

The four charities are currently awaiting a further response from NICE.

For further information on Leukaemia CARE, for patients, carers, their families and health professionals, call the free 24 hour CARE Line on 0800 1696680, or to find out more about becoming a volunteer for the charity, please call 01905 755977 or visit www.leukaemiacare .org.uk. For information on fund-raising for Leukaemia CARE call 0870 7743667 or visit www.run4leukaemia. org.uk