A DATE has been set for an appeal against the decision to fund on the NHS a life-prolonging cancer drug developed in Tyneside.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) is holding the hearing after two appeals were lodged against its draft guidance to make Alimta available for those in the advanced stages of asbestos -related lung cancer mesothelioma.

A date has been set for November 23 but a final decision on whether to make the drug available will not be made for up to six weeks after that date when the panel has considered the findings.

The delay has caused an outcry among patients and their families in the North-East who are waiting for the drug which could give them valuable time.

The campaign in the North-East to make Alimta available on the NHS was led by Arthur Tiffin, 53, of North Walbottle, who died from mesothelioma in summer.

His family have said the drug gave him a precious two years with them and should be made available in the NHS across the country.

Since 2005, Alimta has been available for patients in the region but that could change when Nice guidance is finally released.

Last year, Nice agreed to reconsider its decision that the drug should not be used across the NHS in England and Wales after an appeal by manufacturer Eli Lilly and charities and support groups.

Campaigners spoke of their joy when in July this year Nice issued draft guidance recommending Alimta for use by a certain category of patients.

But they are now baffled as to who has lodged the appeals and on what grounds. The names of the appellants will remain a mystery until the day of the appeal which is yet to be set by Nice.

The desire to extend Alimta to all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma could be possible grounds for appeal if evidence showed the drug could help them, according to Nice.