Vol. 429 No. 3
223 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) which claims that immunotherapy to suppress cancer does not appear to be effective; and the extent to which this treatment is practised in Irish hospitals.
I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy.
The three main forms of cancer treatment are chemotherapy/ immunotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. The choice of therapy is a clinical decision based on individual circumstances. Frequently a combination of these treatments is used.
The role of chemotherapy/ immunotherapy in cancer treatment is well established and is used in Irish hospitals in accordance with the best modern medical practice. This is an area of continuing research and evaluation and clinicians in Ireland participate fully in this process.
