A disagreement over the price of a new test, which could save breast cancer patients from having to undergo chemotherapy, is delaying its introduction for public patients.
Doctors say Oncotype DX could actually save the health service money.
However, the State body which assesses the value of drugs says the price being charged by its manufacturer is too expensive.
Hailed by experts as a breast cancer treatment breakthrough, genetic test Oncotype DX pinpoints which patients remain at risk following surgery.
This helps decide which type of treatment a woman needs, and potentially saves them from having chemotherapy.
A test costs over €3,000, and while it has been available internationally for years, it is only available to private patients here.
But cancer doctors say the test is so effective that not only would it save lives, and reduce numbers needing chemo, it would also save the health service money.
While it agrees the test is extremely effective, the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, which assesses treatments value for money, has said it is currently too expensive for public use here.
However, it has given the National Cancer Control Programme a price at which it would be acceptable.
It is currently carrying out ‘a comprehensive review of the test and says no final decision in relation to its introduction has been made.’
The Irish Cancer Society says it wants the test made available to all 3,000 women who develop breast cancer here annually.
Manufacturer Genomic Health says the decision not to recommend it is unfortunate.
However, it has not ruled out reducing the cost and it is understood further negotiations on price are likely to see if compromise can be reached.
