New cancer drug offers hope for longer life

By REBECCA WALSH

A new treatment for asbestos-related lung cancer has been registered for use in New Zealand.

Alimta (Pemetrexed) has been shown to extend the life expectancy of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma an average of 12 months, compared with six to eight months on existing treatments.

New Zealand is in the midst of an epidemic of asbestos cancer deaths and thousands of people, particularly men, are expected to die over the next decade.

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung lining which makes it difficult for people to breathe and eventually spreads to other vital organs. It kills about 60 New Zealanders a year.

Auckland Hospital medical oncologist Dr Richard Sullivan said that until now survival rates for the cancer had been very poor.

The disease could take up to 40 years to develop after people were first exposed to asbestos, and most were not diagnosed until the cancer was in its advanced stages.

The new drug, which was administered intravenously, extended a person's life expectancy and improved their quality of life, Dr Sullivan said.

Side-effects included fatigue, nausea and vomiting.

Alimta, produced by drug company Eli Lilly, costs about $4000 a cycle.

James Sleigh of Eli Lilly said the company was preparing a submission for public funding of the drug.