Treatment brings hope to Aussies with common terminal blood cancer multiple myeloma
A groundbreaking drug that destroys cells in people with a common form of terminal blood cancer may soon add years to their lives.
Victoria
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A groundbreaking drug that attacks and destroys dangerous plasma cells in people with a common form of terminal blood cancer will soon bring hope to thousands of Australians.
From the start of 2021, Darzalex will be available to people whose first treatments for multiple myeloma fail, potentially adding years to their lives.
Until now, the drug was out of reach for the thousands of sufferers across the country, costing about $160,000 every year.
Mount Eliza father Geoff Nyssen said the drug was too expensive when he was first offered it a few years ago and he considered going for a cheaper option so his family did not have the extra financial burden.
He was eventually granted compassionate access to the treatment, which has changed his life.
“Some of the biggest challenges people with multiple myeloma face relate to mental fatigue caused by financial challenges,” the 46-year-old said.
“To know what people in my circumstance aren’t going to need to go though the level of distress I went through, it’s a wonderful thing. It’s one less thing that people dealing with terminal people and their facilities won’t need to go through.”
While his cancer is still terminal and there is no cure, the treatments have kept it at bay and Mr Nyssen is enjoying life with his wife Sarah and their kids Riley, 15, and Georgia, 12.
“As far as I am concerned, I will live until I am 80,” he said. “I have too much living to do yet.”
It is expected about 1165 patients will benefits from the treatments that will cost about $40 per script, or less with a concession card.
More than 2000 Australians are diagnosed with the incurable condition every year, with about 1000 expected to die from it next year.
Mr Nyssen’s doctor, Prof Prince Miles from Epworth Freemasons, said the antibody drug was like a secret agent sent into the body to “crush [cancerous plasma cells] eggshells”.
“It fundamentally works the same way as other cancer specific antibodies,” he said.
“It improves the body’s capacity to punch holes in the target cells.”
The blood cancer specialist said the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing would be of “huge benefit” to his patients.
The listing would bring fresh hope to people with multiple myeloma, according to Health Minister Greg Hunt.
“This breakthrough treatment option could provide patients with improved clinical outcomes, an increased chance of recovery, and a greater quality of life,” he said
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