Chemotherapy drug ‘has benefits’
A chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer patients has been linked to brain damage, but still offers benefits, it has been claimed.
Research published in the Journal of Biology revealed that 5-fluorouracil can have a negative impact upon the central nervous system.
However, those with life insurance premiums may be interested to know that Martin Ledwick, lead cancer information nurse at Cancer Research UK, noted that the study had been conducted on mice, which could mean the effects are not replicated in humans.
"These studies look at the science behind the observed side-effects of chemotherapy treatments which will help doctors continue to improve treatments for the future," he explained.
It ought to be noted that the drug still can offer "significant benefits" for patients who require the treatment, he added, stating that they "far outweigh" the negative effects reported by some.
According to the charity, the most common form of cancer in the UK is breast cancer, with 44,000 women diagnosed with the disease every year.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with cancer.
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