The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has reversed its block on Alimta, a new drug that may help aid mesothelioma treatment.

The NSA states that the medication should only be used in new and ongoing clinical trials.

What is NICE and How Can It Be Beneficial?

According to research, about 4,000 people develop mesothelioma, the cancer caused by asbestos exposure, annually.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and often occurs in those who have been exposed to asbestos from working at manufacturing companies.

Alimta is a new medication said to help extend the lives of patients in the advanced stages of this form of cancer.

“This is absolutely excellent news for those patients suffering from this dreadful disease,” says Dr. Mick Peake, a consultant physician and vice chairman of Mesothelioma UK.

Increase of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is becoming an ongoing problem in the UK where more that 2,000 cases are popping up each year.

“The UK is facing an epidemic of mesothelioma in 2011-2015 as people exposed to asbestos in the 1960’s and 1970’s are diagnosed with the disease,” says Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive if the British Lung Foundation.

(Source: BBC News)

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