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Continuing chemotherapy after the 6 rounds on NHS

Adrian1414
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My sister has a sarcoma of the tonsils that has spread to her spine. Her diagnosis is terminal. She will soon start her 6th and final round of acute chemotherapy. The treatment seems to be holding her cancer in check and she's tolerating it very well. However, she can't get a straight answer from her oncologist as to why the treatment will stop after 6 rounds. From what I've read, I suspect it's due to cost of and ever increasing demand for such NHS treatment. I may be able to pay for the treatment to be continued - if we could get a straight answer to the question 'if resources were unlimited, does it make sense to continue with this treatment?' Anyone out there qualified to answer this? 

  • Hi there and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your sisters situation and appreciate your questions.

    Unfortunately as no one here is directly involved in your sisters care it is difficult for us to be able to comment about this.

    You really need to speak with the team involved to find out more what the plan is once the chemotherapy has finished.

    It isn't unusual for patients to be given 6 cycles of chemotherapy and remember the benefits versus the risks and side effects of treatment also need to be weighed up for each patient. The length of treatment a person needs will be based on the type and stage of cancer and is very individual.

    I suggest asking the specialist doctor if more treatment would be of benefit in their opinion, and go from there.

    I hope you get some more answers to be able to navigate the best way forward.

    Please get back in touch if needed, or if you prefer, give us a call on 0808 800 4040. We're here weekdays 9-5.

    Best wishes to you and your sister.

    Naomi

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