5 May 2011

Business leader seeks US advice on cancer treatment

10:25 pm on 5 May 2011

Business Roundtable executive director Roger Kerr leaves for the United States this week to get a second opinion and advice on treatment for his cancer.

Mr Kerr has melanoma which has spread to his liver and shoulder blade. He was diagnosed three years ago with primary melanoma on his wrist.

Radio New Zealand's health correspondent says a scan in October last year showed that the cancer had spread and the prognosis is generally poor.

Mr Kerr says he is satisfied with the care he has received in the public health system in Wellington, but is travelling to the M D Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston, Texas, to see what they might recommend.

Promising new drugs are being trialled, and Mr Kerr says he might seek to join a trial in the future in Australia or New Zealand.

Mr Kerr says he feels fine and intends to continue his regular work.