Drug boost for prostate cancer care

PROSTATE cancer patients in the Lothians have received a boost after a new drug was approved for use north of the border.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has allowed the use of Firmagon, which means those with the disease at an advanced stage will no longer have to rely on drugs with unpleasant side effects.

In the Lothians, the disease kills more than 100 men every year.

The move has been welcomed by consultants.

Rob Banner, director of the charity Prostaid, said: "We believe it is vital for prostate cancer patients to have access to modern drugs that work quickly and effectively.

"For all men suffering from advanced hormone dependent prostate cancer to now have access to a drug that negates the need for anti-androgen drugs and their possible side effects, will be a terrific improvement."