THE PROSTATE CANCER CHARITY SAYS DECISION ON TAXOTERE VERY BAD NEWS FOR MEN WITH ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER
  
Men with advanced prostate cancer whose bodies no longer respond to hormone treatment may be forced to pay for the chemotherapy drug Taxotere even though it could improve quality of life, reduce pain and extend survival.
  
The Prostate Cancer Charity is seriously concerned at the decision announced today by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) not to recommend the use of Taxotere (docetaxel) for men with advanced, hormone-resistant prostate cancer on cost grounds.
  
John Neate, the Charity's Chief Executive, said: "Taxotere, in combination with prednisolone (a steroid) is acknowledged by the Scottish Medicines Consortium to be the most effective, available treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer, where hormone therapy no longer works. The drug has been licensed for use in these cases and is regarded by many doctors as the treatment of choice.
  
"Whilst cost must clearly be taken into account by the NHS in reaching decisions about drug funding, it is essential to recognise that Taxotere is, as yet, the only drug proven through rigorous trials to offer improved survival and quality of life to men with prostate cancer at this stage of their illness.
  
"This decision is very bad news for men in Scotland and it does not bode well for the NICE consultation on the same drug next year for men in England and Wales . It may also invite legal challenges to NHS decisions on drugs if patients feel that drugs they need and have been clinically recommended are refused by their Primary Care Trust
  
"Prostate cancer is emerging from a historical position of under funding and neglect. I urge the SMC to review its position, taking this into account. I also urge the NHS in Scotland to take a positive position on Taxotere funding as part of a genuine commitment to improve patient treatment and choice."
  
For further information about prostate cancer visit  www.prostate-cancer.org.uk
  
NOTES

Every year over 30,000 men are diagnosed with the disease and 10,000 men die from it.  Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the UK - every hour at least one man dies from this disease.
  
African Caribbean men are three times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than their white counterparts.
  
If you have any queries about prostate cancer call The Prostate Cancer Charity's confidential helpline 0845 300 8383 which is staffed by specialist nurses and open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and Wednesdays from 7 - 9pm.
  
If you want to make a donation to The Prostate Cancer Charity call 0208 222 7622 or visit  www.prostate-cancer-org.uk
  
(10/11/05)