Question reference: S5W-28151
- Asked by: Richard Lyle, MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 30 March 2020
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Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 13 May 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason herceptin and perjeta courses of treatment for people with cancer have reportedly been stopped earlier than planned.
Answer
Whilst the ongoing COVID-19 situation is putting unprecedented strain on our National Health Service. Patient safety remains our absolute priority and COVID-19 is a very significant risk in relation to cancer treatment. For that reason, many patients will be offered alternative or delayed treatment plans, and a discussion between them and their clinical team should take place explaining this. We understand how distressing that can be for patients and their families, but these new approaches are aimed at reducing the risks to clinically vulnerable people as much as possible. Specific change to treatments are individual to patients and are best discussed with their clinical team. Any cancer patient worried about symptoms should call their existing cancer treatment helpline or the national cancer treatment helpline.