Request
I would like to understand why the East Midlands SHA is the only Authority in the country that has not authorised the use of Cabazitaxel as a second line therapy under the aegis of the cancer drug fund.
Our Response
I refer to your email requesting information concerning the authorised use of Cabazitaxel, specifically, why NHS East Midlands is the only Authority in the country that has not authorised the use of this drug as a second line therapy under the aegis of the cancer drug fund.
I can confirm in accordance with S.1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) that we do hold the information that you have requested.
In accordance with national policy, decisions about which drugs are funded under the aegis of the Cancer Drugs Fund are made by a panel of oncology and haematology experts from across the East Midlands. We have asked the Chair of the Clinical Panel to comment on its policy regarding Cabazitaxel and he has advised us that the clinical panel will consider applications for this drug on a case by case basis.
He has explained that the oncologists that specialise in prostate cancer did consider adding it to the list of routinely approved drugs but felt that it had less benefit than Abiraterone and other drugs that had been put forward as priorities to be added to the list. The Chair has provided assurance that the position will be reviewed but anticipates that the demand for Cabazitaxel will be small.
The East Midlands Cancer Drugs Fund is administered by East Midlands Specialised Commissioning Group and we would like to advise you that future enquires of this nature should be directed to them at EMCDF@nhs.net.
I hope that this information is of use. 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
Octavia 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
