New cancer drug must be available to patients, says South Down MP Chris Hazzard
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has written to Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to demand the immediate introduction of a breakthrough cancer treatment in the North.
Keytruda assists the immune system to fight cancer by supporting the immune system.
The South Down MP was responding to the announcement that Keytruda, a new injectable form of immunotherapy, is being rolled out for patients in England and Wales this week.
“I have written to the Health Minister to make it clear that patients here must have access to this game-changing treatment,” said Mr Hazzard.
“This jab could save patients hours of gruelling time in hospital, allowing them to continue to enjoy their lives with their families away from a ward.
“There must be no delays, and I have urged the minister to provide a definitive timeline for when this drug will be in use.”
Keytruda can be given to a patient through in intravenous feed or an injection.
It helps to fight a number of cancers including some types of lung cancer, Hodgkin Lymphoma, renal cell cancer, and some forms of breast cancer. It can also be used in conjunction with chemotherapy. to help stimulate the immune system. But there may be some significant side effects.
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