Melanoma treatment added to PBS: New hope for cancer patients
A potentially lifesaving cancer treatment costing more than $100,000 a year has been subsidised by the Federal Government.
Rouse Hill
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rouse Hill. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Crime in The Hills: Domestic violence jumps 41 per cent, new data shows
- $19m childcare centre, units poise for north-west growth suburb
Like many sport-loving Aussies, Grant Thomson never thought his time in the sun would lead to cancer.
In 2016, at 54 years of age, the keen golfer and runner was confronted with a shock melanoma diagnosis, but thanks to a breakthrough treatment, he’s got a new lease on life.
Now, there’s fresh hope for 2000 advanced melanoma patients across Australia after the Federal Government added potentially lifesaving immunotherapy treatments to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
From March 1, the drug Opdivo (or nivolumab) was expanded under the scheme, providing subsided access to the expensive treatment.
Until now, patients like Mr Thomson were left with the expensive option of pursuing the treatment at a cost of more than $100,000, or relying on access through clinical trials or on compassionate grounds.
Two years ago, the Acacia Gardens father underwent the lifesaving immunotherapy treatment at Westmead Hospital after his melanoma returned twice.
He is now celebrating being almost two years cancer free.
“In June 2018 I started immunotherapy treatment, once a month for a year,” Mr Thomson said.
“In June it will be two years where I’ve had no recurrence – that is attributable to the immunotherapy 100 per cent.”
He said the treatment was a game-changer in reducing the chances of the cancer returning.
“The fact there is now treatment to help minimise the recurrence is a big thing. It’s a big step forward in the prevention of recurrence which wasn’t available a few years ago,” he said.
Chief executive of Melanoma Patients Australia Victoria Beedle said the treatment’s PBS listing would help patients concerns about their cancer coming back.
“The ‘watch and wait’ approach can mean that patients deal with a substantial amount of anxiety and fear of the cancer returning after surgery,” Ms Beedle.
“Having access to reimbursed adjuvant immunotherapy treatment that is affordable on the PBS will help alleviate some of the fears that patients with advanced melanoma can experience after successful surgery.”
Mr Thomson urged all Australians to take the important steps to protect themselves against melanoma.
“My life has changed forever. You never think it is going to be you,” he said.
“Don’t take the risk and just be sensible because it can be you.”