Rare cancer drug added to PBS
Brentuximab vedotin (sold as Ad-ce-tr-is), was one of several medicines added to the PBS by the federal government on Saturday 25 March.
It is used to treat a rare subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma often affecting young people.
Prior to listing, it could cost patients tens of thousands of dollars
for treatment at about $16,000 a cycle, Lymphoma Australia CEO Sharon
Winton said.
“The problem in the past for this subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma, is there hasn’t been very much available,” she said.
“Generally young patients don’t have any treatment options left to give them a chance for a cure.
“For this drug to now be available without them considering selling
their houses or taking out superannuation … it will save financial
stress.”
Ms Winton said the drug could be used by some 100 cancer sufferers
per year and either extend their life, act as a cure or allow them time
to access other treatments.
“It now means they can actually have a chance of surviving,” Ms Winton said.
Source: SBS News.
For the full article: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/03/25/rare-cancer-drug-added-pbs
Channel 9 coverage: http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/03/25/17/18/thousands-of-australians-to-beneft-from-latest-changes-to-pbs
