HEALTH Minister Greg Hunt this week announced a $48 million investment in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, with the listing of new treatments for lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
From 01 Oct about 700 patients with untreated advanced follicular lymphoma - a form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - will no longer need to pay $104,000 annually to use the medication Gazyva, which helps a patient's own immune system destroy cancer cells.
Gazyva will also be subsidised for lymphoma patients who do not respond to rituximab treatment.
Hunt also announced the listing of Pomalyst for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, for patients who have a severe intolerance to other medications used to treat the condition.
Patients would normally pay around $58,500 a year to access Pomalyst, the minister said.
"Our commitment to the PBS is rock solid...together with Medicare it is a foundation of our world class health system," he said.
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