Latest PBAC recommendation puts fairer access to cancer medicines within reach
The recommendation of a ‘pan-tumour’ listing means the immunotherapy pembrolizumab (Keytruda) could become available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for appropriate patients with cancer based on clinical judgment, rather than cancer type. This would provide equitable access for people with rare cancers who would benefit, as their current choice is to either go without or self-fund at an eye-watering expense, with Keytruda only subsidised for thirteen cancer types as it stands.
Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) Chief Executive Officer, Christine Cockburn, said the recommendation was a significant and long-awaited signal that meaningful system change is possible.
