Dr Fight to Save Man’s Sight as NHS Leaves Him to Go Blind | UK | News

A leading cancer specialist is struggling to save the opinion and life of a 70-year-old man who has been allowed to spread uncontrolled for years of aggressive facial tumor-NHS, after refusing to reach a drug that can shrink the disease.

Dr. James Wilson says Sergei Ouvarov, a 70 -year -old patient of Birmingham, needs Vismodegib, a breakthrough pill that can reduce the tumor that urgently spreads to his face. However, existing NHS guides prohibit the drug if a patient does not have more than one skin tumor, not only one but not destructive.

“This man’s tumor destroys his eyes, Dr Dr Wilson said. “The only option offered in NHS is to ensure that the eyelids are closed. My main concern is that the tumor approaches the other eye. This drug can reduce the tumor significantly.
The rules are very strict – we need common sense and clinical discretion. “

The drug, which costs £ 8,000 per month, says that NHS is not available for cases such as Mr. Sergei for non -flexible good suggestions. Dr Wilson and Mr. Sergei’s family call on the criteria of disabling the extraordinary, extraordinary cases that disable the government.

Sergei’s daughter Mariya Ouvarova filed an official complaint to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, 36 years old, and accused NHS teams accused of five -year failure, broken promises and neglect, which left her father’s cancer to spread uncontrollable.

“It was told that it would be followed in 2019 after radiotherapy in 2019-but this never happened with Covid,” he said.
“When it was seen again in 2024, tumor nose, face, eye – and now it was probably spread to the bone. We were offered surgery, then canceled. If it had been canceled.
Now they didn’t offer anything. “

“This medicine may be his last hope – but they won’t give it because even if it spreads, it has only one tumor. We are destroyed and angry.”

MR Sergei, a retired auto mechanic, was first diagnosed with skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma on his cheek in 2019. Initially, it reduced the growth and was told that follow -up would be arranged. But then Covid shot – and no other appointment came.

“We waited and waited,” Mariya said. “And while we were waiting, the tumor continued to grow.”

When Mr. Sergei enrolled in a new GP in August 2024, he spread to the cancer eyelid, cheek and nose. A new referral to Queen Elizabeth Hospital has led to months of screening and tests. Finally, in November 2024, it was prepared for a large surgery – the risk of browsing.

“My father was terrified, but finally relieved something, Mar Mariya said. “Lung tests, heart scans, IT scans, we have passed everything.”

However, in January 2025, the operation was canceled due to kidney problems that should be known months ago.

The family was later offered a smaller surgery in March – then the tumor had already invaded the bone around the eyes. He was then offered chemotherapy, but once again, nothing happened for weeks.

“I continued to chase the hospital, I left a message, I sent e -mail.

In May, they were offered a last NHS appointment. Instead of the treatment they expected, a different surgeon came to explain why nothing could be done.

“We walked from that room with a completely abandoned. That’s when we decided to find a special cancer specialist.”

Dr Wilson says that good restrictions are outdated and very restrictive: “Vismodegib is a targeted drug. For a patient like Sergei – a potential life line without surgical or radiotherapy.

Mr. Sergei’s tumor is now so advanced. Blood and fluid constantly leak and severe pain and emotional distress.

Mariya said, “He’s ashamed of his appearance, depressed and isolated.” “He doesn’t want to see like this.”

Mariya, who lives in Stoke-On-Trent and also attaches importance to her mother, said that the wage is destructive:

“I chase doctors, travel, begging for the answers. Again, we have been promised dates and treatment – and we have not received anything.”

The official complaint was placed in June 2025 with Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and Güven accepted it and promised a response within 30 days.

A beautiful spokesman said: “Nice does not recommend Vismodegib for adults with advanced basal cell carcinoma that is not suitable for surgery or radiotherapy. This is because there is limited evidence of how people last when people are best supporting.

“We can review the guidance as to evidence or whether there is information or information that can change the decision.”