Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak about the condition of neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma is a disease in which malignant cancer cells form in nerve tissue such as adrenal gland, the neck, chest or spinal cord. It most often begins during early childhood, usually in children younger than five years of age. Proven treatment regimens for children with neuroblastoma are provided at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, the centre for paediatric oncology services. Treatment for neuroblastoma involves a number of diagnostic and treatment approaches which include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Under the treatment abroad scheme, the Health Service Executive, HSE, provides the cost of approved treatments in another EU or EEA member state or Switzerland. The application to refer a patient abroad must have been assessed and a determination given before the patient travels abroad. To qualify for the treatment abroad scheme, the treatment must be medically necessary and meet the patient's needs. In addition, it must be a proven form of medical treatment that is not experimental.

Ireland has focused on improving the quality of cancer services through reorganisation and expansion. The overall approach is set out in the strategy for cancer control. Great improvements have been made in cancer diagnosis and treatment. We have moved from a fragmented system of care to one that consolidates cancer treatment, with multidisciplinary care and decision-making. Survival rates for all cancers are rising. The five year survival rate has increased to 56.4% for people diagnosed between 2003 and 2007. It was 49.6% for those diagnosed between 1998 and 2002. The full impact of the reforms in cancer care should, in time, further improve survival rates.

I acknowledge that parents of children who have been diagnosed with neuroblastoma, or any other serious illness, will be concerned that their children receive the best care and treatment. I am informed by the HSE that Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin provides proven treatment regimens for children with neuroblastoma which are of a world class standard.

Children are treated there according to the European neuroblastoma protocol, which incorporates all available therapies. There is no other recognised proven treatment anywhere in the world. In the last year, a new phase two trial has been opened in Our Lady's hospital and staff and experts operate proactively in this field in a structured and ethical way. The ongoing developments in this field are clearly welcome and we will do all we can to support the parents and families of young children with neuroblastoma.

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