Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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419. To ask the Minister for Health the reason Thyrogen injections are not available to cancer patients at Cork University Hospital; his plans to introduce these injections for patients; the date on which this will come on stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29991/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Two care options are available for the preparation of patients who are diagnosed with thyroid cancer, for radio-active iodine ablation - either withdrawal of oral thyroxine treatment or treatment with Thyrogen®. Both options are in line with international guidelines.

The treatment option utilised is determined by the prescribing consultant and the hospital’s Drugs and Therapeutics Committee. The current model of care in Cork University Hospital is thyroxine withdrawal and I am not aware of plans to change in this regard.