Question reference: S5W-34175
- Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 18 December 2020
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 26 January 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the long-term impact of medicines prioritised during the response to COVID-19 for people with a cancer diagnosis who have been prescribed continuous treatments, that do not offer patients time off from their treatment and therefore impact their quality of life.
Answer
The use of continuous treatment almost always allow greater numbers of patients to be eligible for these treatments, which are generally better tolerated and overall have advanced outcomes. Side effects do occur with ‘continuous’ or ‘maintenance’ treatment and should be managed appropriately. Some patients cannot tolerate continuous treatment and alternatives (such as ‘conventional’ chemotherapy) may still be required.
The purpose of COVID19 National Cancer Medicines Advisory Group (NCMAG) is to make rapid recommendations on routine access to alternative s treatment which are safer for patients during pandemic circumstances alongside the normal ‘standard of care’. This includes treatments that reduce the need to attend hospital and/or reduce the time spent in hospital and treatments that make the patient less vulnerable to infections. The option to use an NCMAG supported regimen will have been discussed with patients in a shared decision making process.