Immunotherapy for patients with advanced cancers

More Australians living with advanced cancer could have access to immunotherapy treatment options, thanks to a new recommendation from the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).
 
The PBAC has backed listing nivolumab (Opdivo®) and ipilimumab (Yervoy®) on the PBS for a wider range of advanced and metastatic cancers.
 
The PBAC also recommended the expansion of these medicines for re-treatment of the same cancer and for longer use where a patient is likely to respond to it.
 
It recommended removing the ‘once in a lifetime’ barrier for patients needing treatment for more than one type of cancer, as well as providing patients with rare cancers access to treatment.
 
These drugs are currently listed on the PBS for specific cancers. However, this recommendation would lead to more immunotherapy treatment options for any advanced and metastatic cancer that is likely to respond.
 
While the PBAC recommendation is an essential part of the PBS listing process, there are further steps that will now be taken.
 
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will work closely with BMS Australia to ensure all necessary listing requirements are met to progress this medicine to PBS listing.
 
This recommendation is the culmination of years of collaboration between the Australian Government, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the PBAC and sponsoring pharmaceutical company.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
 
“The Albanese Government is committed to providing high-quality care to people with cancer.
 
“Making immunotherapy more widely available will give greater hope to people with advanced or metastatic cancer and their families.
 
“Around 5,000 patients are expected to benefit from access to these medicines each year.
 
“The Department for Health, Disability and Ageing will now work closely with the pharmaceutical company to ensure all necessary listing requirements are met to progress this medicine to PBS listing.”