Lung cancer treatment Tecentriq now available on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
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Battling cancer is a long, tedious process that involves meticulous treatment.
Yet, Australians just saw a remarkable victory set to change several cancer patients' course.
A groundbreaking treatment for those fighting lung and liver cancer is now within reach, thanks to a benefits update.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PSB) recently added the nation's first immunotherapy cancer jab, Tecentriq, to its long list of medicines.
Prior to being added to the PBS, Tecentriq was only available as an expensive and time-consuming infusion.
Now, it will be accessible as a simple, seven-minute injection.
The price of this life-saving treatment has been slashed from $120,000 annually to $133.40 for concession card holders.
General patients may access Tecentriq for $547.70.
Tecentriq activates the immune system to target and kill cancer cells.
This treatment offers a beacon of hope for those battling these formidable diseases.
Melbourne local and lung cancer patient Kon Adamis believed that this development will be transformative for him and his fellow patients.
After being diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer and given only four months to live, Tecentriq helped him defy the odds.
'This will help people tremendously,' Adamis said, expressing the collective relief and gratitude of many patients who could benefit from this treatment.
Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted the importance of this development.
'It's going to be great for patients, giving them access to this life-saving treatment in a convenient injective form at PBS prices,' Minister Butler stated.
'For our hospital systems that are under real stress, it's going to be an enormous relief as well.'
Monash Health's Deputy Director of Medical Oncology and Associate Professor Surein Arulananda emphasised the significant difference this immunotherapy injection could make for patients.
The shift from hospital-based treatments to potentially receiving home care could mark a profound improvement in patients' quality of life.
A few months ago, the PBS introduced Verzenio, a drug that could prevent the recurrence of high-risk breast cancer in their roster of medicines.
Thanks to the PBS, a two-year course of Verzenio, which typically costs $100,000, is now lowered to $7.70 per month for concession card holders, and $31.60 for general patients.
As we celebrate another milestone, this may be the beginning of a new era in cancer treatment.
With Minister Butler hinting at more developments, the future looks promising for cancer patients nationwide.
If you or a loved one is battling cancer, talk to your oncologist about Tecentriq and its availability through PBS.
This cancer jab could be a turning point in people’s fight against cancer.
Have you or someone you know been affected by lung or liver cancer? What impact do you think this new treatment option will have on the lives of patients and their families? Share your thoughts and insights with us in the comments below.
Yet, Australians just saw a remarkable victory set to change several cancer patients' course.
A groundbreaking treatment for those fighting lung and liver cancer is now within reach, thanks to a benefits update.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PSB) recently added the nation's first immunotherapy cancer jab, Tecentriq, to its long list of medicines.
Prior to being added to the PBS, Tecentriq was only available as an expensive and time-consuming infusion.
Now, it will be accessible as a simple, seven-minute injection.
Tecentriq is now available for lung and liver cancer patients in need of treatment. Image Credit: Healthline
The price of this life-saving treatment has been slashed from $120,000 annually to $133.40 for concession card holders.
General patients may access Tecentriq for $547.70.
Tecentriq activates the immune system to target and kill cancer cells.
This treatment offers a beacon of hope for those battling these formidable diseases.
Melbourne local and lung cancer patient Kon Adamis believed that this development will be transformative for him and his fellow patients.
After being diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer and given only four months to live, Tecentriq helped him defy the odds.
'This will help people tremendously,' Adamis said, expressing the collective relief and gratitude of many patients who could benefit from this treatment.
Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted the importance of this development.
'It's going to be great for patients, giving them access to this life-saving treatment in a convenient injective form at PBS prices,' Minister Butler stated.
'For our hospital systems that are under real stress, it's going to be an enormous relief as well.'
Monash Health's Deputy Director of Medical Oncology and Associate Professor Surein Arulananda emphasised the significant difference this immunotherapy injection could make for patients.
The shift from hospital-based treatments to potentially receiving home care could mark a profound improvement in patients' quality of life.
A few months ago, the PBS introduced Verzenio, a drug that could prevent the recurrence of high-risk breast cancer in their roster of medicines.
Thanks to the PBS, a two-year course of Verzenio, which typically costs $100,000, is now lowered to $7.70 per month for concession card holders, and $31.60 for general patients.
As we celebrate another milestone, this may be the beginning of a new era in cancer treatment.
With Minister Butler hinting at more developments, the future looks promising for cancer patients nationwide.
If you or a loved one is battling cancer, talk to your oncologist about Tecentriq and its availability through PBS.
This cancer jab could be a turning point in people’s fight against cancer.
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