Health minister to investigate medication inconsistencies
Decisions on funding for kidney cancer patients are under review after a study highlighted inconsistencies in prescriptions across Wales.
The medical director of NHS Wales has asserted that some areas approve the vast amount of requests for Sutent, while other regions hardly grant any.
Of 73 requests for the medication, 48 were rejected, however in Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, every patient who was recommended the drug by their consultants received it.
However, it was a different situation in Cardiff and Swansea, where one and zero patients were given the drug respectively.
Health Minister Edwina Hart has ordered a clinical audit of each case to ensure consistent criteria were applied.
Earlier this week, it was reported by the Times that scientists at the British Sanger Institute have begun a new study of cancer that will "mix and match" tumours with drugs to develop personalised therapies for patients.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with cancer
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