Cancer Drugs Fund

Request

I would like to make the following requests for information

1. I would like to know how many applications have been made to the cancer drugs fund since it was launched in October?

2. Of these, I would like to know how many were approved.

3. If possible, in each case I would like to know how long it took before a patient applying for a drug and a decision being made by the SHA

4. I would also like to know whether the SHA has approved Avastin in any case?

5. Finally I would like to know if there are any drugs which are specifically not being funded by the cancer drugs fund allocated to the SHA - eg Avastin?

Our Response

I refer to your email requesting information in respect of the interim cancer drug fund (ICDF).

I can confirm in accordance with S.1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) that we do not hold all of the information that you have requested. 

However, we are of the opinion that Section 21 of the FOIA is engaged in this instance.  Section 21 refers to information that is already reasonably accessible to the applicant.  Some of the information that you have requested can be found in the ICDF section of our website.  I have attached the relevant links for your ease of reference:

I will address the points that you raise in turn:

1. I would like to know how many applications have been made to the cancer drugs fund since it  
    was launched in October?

2. Of these, I would like to know how many were approved.

3. If possible, in each case I would like to know how long it took before a patient applying for a drug
     and a decision being made by the SHA

• The information that you have asked for in terms of questions 1, 2& 3 is held in the form of a 
   monthly monitoring report that is posted on the NHS East Midlands website at the following link:

            http://www.eastmidlands.nhs.uk/interim-cancer-drug-fund/

• This does not provide details of individual cases for reasons of patient confidentiality.  Section 
  40 of the FOIA exempts the disclosure personal data about other individuals the release of 
  which would breach the data protection principles in the Data Protection Act.  However, the 
  information on our website does detail the number of successful and total applications since      October 2010.

4. I would also like to know whether the SHA has approved Avastin in any case?

• To date, no applications for Avastin have been approved.

5. Finally I would like to know if there are any drugs which are specifically not being funded by the
    cancer drugs fund allocated to the SHA - eg Avastin?

• There is no list of drugs that will not be funded.

• The decision making process is available on the NHS East Midlands website together with a 
   list of drugs that have been prioritised by clinicians as being clinically effective and cost 
   effective.  Avastin is not on this list but a clinician can submit an application for the clinical panel

   to consider for any therapy that he/she feels is suitable. 

I hope that this information is helpful.  If you are dissatisfied with the way in which we have dealt with your request you can ask us to review our decision by writing to:-

Mr Moosa Patel
Director of Corporate Affairs
NHS East Midlands
ctavia House
Interchange Business Park
Bostock's Lane
Sandiacre
Nottingham
NG10 5QG

If at the conclusion of any review you remain dissatisfied you may complain to the Information Commissioner who can be contacted at:-

The Office of the Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF