THE Teenage Cancer Trust this week backed the Advertiser's In Chloë's Name campaign.
Launched in memory of Purley teenager's Chloë Drury, the campaign aims to break down the obstacles which prevent under-18s from having the pioneering treatments her family believe may have saved her life.
Chloë was just months short of her 18th birthday when she was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.
But because of age, and her despite her family's efforts, she was denied the chance to take part in medical trials which saved others with the same condition.
Chloë died on February 28.
Speaking to the Advertiser this week, the chief executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, Simon Davies, said there was currently a "broken system" whereby young people with rare conditions are overlooked by pharmaceutical agencies, international regulatory bodies, and the NHS.
"There are many stages which have to be passed for a drug to even become available in hospital," said Mr Davies.
"In Chloë's case, the clinical trial she needed originated in America and had been used for adults with breast cancer.
"Scientists realised it would help with Ewing's sarcoma, Chloë's rare bone cancer, and so patients with the disease were also allowed on."
Chloë, however, was not allowed, because the trial had only been run for adults, and she was 17 years and eight months.
"Everyone I've spoken to – medical professors, pharmaceutical companies, politicians, health groups – have said this should not be happening and that something needs to change so that teenagers like Chloë are given a chance to live," said Mr Davies
"I truly believe that Chloë could become the inspiration to really get this issue moving forward. Issues like this need a human face and a human heart – otherwise the tragedy of what really happens gets lost in the debate.
"What we need to do is draw together all the components that make up these restrictions and write up a proposal which will demand change from every single level.
"There is a big momentum for this and we need to keep Chloë's story alive."
