ROMA (ITALPRESS) – Australia expands public access to immunotherapy against cancer. From September 1st the pembrolizumab will be available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the national system that supports the cost of medicines, for new oncological indications.
The extension concerns patients with cholangiocarcinoma, ovarian cancer and Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer. According to the Australian government, about 700 patients each year will benefit from the extension of coverage. Without public support, the cost of treatment could arrive at about 14,800 Australian dollars by prescription.
Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapeutic drug that helps the immune system recognize and counter cancer cells, blocking one of the mechanisms used by the tumor to escape the body’s defenses. The medicine was already subsidized in Australia for 17 oncological indications.
From September 1st the combination of pembrolizumab and enfortumab Vedotin will also be refunded for some patients with urothelial carcinoma in stage 3 or 4. In this case, according to government estimates, the measure will affect more than 490 people each year. The intervention is part of the Australian policy of widening access to oncologic treatments through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, reducing the economic weight of therapies that, without the public contribution, could entail very high costs for patients.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
