BRISTOL Myers Squibb's (BMS)Opdivo (nivolumab) is now listed on the PBS for resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Each year, approximately 14,500 Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer, with NSCLC accounting for about 85% of these cases.
The PBS listing of Opdivo was supported by data from the CheckMate 816 clinical trial, which showed that the drug plus chemotherapy before surgery significantly improved outcomes compared to chemotherapy alone.
Specifically, the combination therapy demonstrated higher efficacy in achieving pathological complete response and event-free survival for patients.
Adverse events were comparable between the two trial groups, and the addition of Opdivo did not reduce the number of patients undergoing definitive surgery.
Dr Meredith Edwards, the newly appointed Medical Director at BMS Australia, explained that recently, "immunotherapy-based regimens have been studied in the earlier stages of some cancers, including NSCLC, and are reflected in the international treatment recommendations and guidelines".
"The PBS listing now offers reimbursed access to an immunotherapy-based regimen for eligible patients," said Dr Edwards.
Mark Brooke, Chief Executive Officer of Lung Foundation Australia, said lung cancer represents the fifth most common cancer, and the leading cause of cancer deaths in Australia, with more than 8,000 Australians losing their lives to the disease each year.
"Although we have seen progress in the treatment of earlier-stage non-small cell lung cancer, a significant number of people still face poor outcomes," he explained.
"We are pleased to see the PBS listing of this pre-surgery immunotherapy-based combination which provides an additional option in the early-stage NSCLC space." JG
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