Pharmacy News Article

CANCER patients in Derby are unable to have a potentially life- saving chemotherapy drug after the company making it closed its factory, causing an international shortage.

Medical experts at the Royal Derby Hospital are trying to find different courses of treatment for 19 patients affected, who have all had bladder cancer. According to the British Association of Urological Surgeons, there are limited supplies available which may be used for those who have recently started chemotherapy. But it said these supplies were not enough to cover patients having long- term chemotherapy or those waiting to begin taking the drug, known as BCG. It said these people may have to have treatment which was less effective.

A spokesman for Derby's hospitals said: "We understand patients' concerns and have apologised.

"Generally, patients have been understanding and know we're working hard to keep them up to date and to look after them."

The drug is given to reduce the chances of bladder cancer returning after patients have had a tumour surgically removed. It can also be used to treat tumours without surgery.