Immunologist Seeks Patients Denied Life-Extending Cancer Drug
Campaign Aims to Broaden Access to Crucial Treatment
A leading medical expert is spearheading a nationwide initiative to find individuals who have been refused access to a medication that aided cancer patients. This effort seeks to broaden availability of the drug, especially for those without private insurance.
The Search Begins
Professor Bernard Mahon has initiated a national search to assist people denied funding for pembrolizumab treatment. This drug, also known as pembro, helped extend the life of cancer patient Vicky Phelan.
Leading immunologist Bernard Mahon has started a national search for people who have been refused funding to be treated with a drug that prolonged the life of cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan.
— World Today News (@WorldTodayNews) March 1, 2024
The treatment, approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), combats cancer cells by stimulating the immune system. Vicky Phelan credited pembrolizumab with providing her with three extra years beyond what chemotherapy offered.
“I also know of a new case in Cork, where a man in his 70s has been refused access to the drug.”
—Bernard Mahon
According to the National Cancer Institute, in the U.S., there were an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2022 (Source 2022).
The Impact and the Campaign
Mahon is collaborating with several politicians to create a national directory of those seeking pembrolizumab treatment. He has highlighted a tragic case where a man passed away after being denied the drug.
Mahon himself, who has late-stage stomach cancer, initially faced denial from his private health insurer, Laya Healthcare. The insurer later reversed its decision, citing “humanitarian grounds,” following a social media campaign.
The 62-year-old, whose case was reported last year, has received six months of treatment and is undergoing tests. He stated, “This treatment has definitely brought me more time.”
Mahon expressed concern about the government’s response, criticizing the suggestion that patients should seek better health insurance. He believes this shifts responsibility to the patients themselves.