One immunotherapy treatment that previously cost up to $130,000 for a course of treatment has been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for mesothelioma patients and will now cost $41.
The drugs, Opdivo and Yervoy, have previously been included on the PBS for other types of cancer.
It’s important to note that there isn’t a cure for mesothelioma, but the medication can help to extend the life expectancy of patients and can slow tumour growth.
Oncologist Dr Geoffrey Peters of the Canberra Hospital explained that it would work to improve the quality of life for patients, and would also provide financial relief.
“Previously patients with mesothelioma were accessing immunotherapy via self-funding or compensation payouts from legal settlement due to asbestos exposure, and this was costing families many thousands of dollars,” Dr Peters said.
Greg Hunt, Federal Health Minister, said it was one of the fastest listings on the PBS ever.
“It’s 50 days since the TGA [Therapeutic Goods Administration] approved the medicine, and what that means is bringing this life-changing medicine, life-extending medicines to patients with one of the most aggressive forms of cancer at the earliest possible time,” Mr Hunt said.
“Instead of $130,000, which is beyond the reach of virtually every Australian family, mesothelioma patients will have access to a breakthrough new combination medicine … it will give them hope, it will give them treatment, it will improve their lives.”