A prominent Melbourne oncologist has questioned the wisdom of PBS funding for recently developed cancer medications, which provide only limited benefits for patients.
Associate Professor Ian Haines from Monash University has written an editorial published in the latest edition of NPS MedicineWise's Australian Prescriber, saying while some of the new drugs appear to be major advances "in practice many of the earlier targeted cancer drugs have turned out to be disappointing.
"They are often only suitable for a limited number of patients, and are very expensive".
Haines said that while selected patients have shown an enduring benefit, data reveal that "some of the new cancer drugs are only prolonging survival by an average of two months.
"Overseas experts have published assessments showing that many drugs do not extend or improve people's lives for very long".
Haines cited the example of dabrafenib plus trametinib for incurable melanoma, which costs the PBS over $17,000 a month.
"For the benefits these drugs deliver the costs seem excessive.
"We need to maintain equitable access to expensive new cancer drugs in Australia," he said, as well as urging greater insistence on transparency of the data concerning the medications, which should no longer remain commercial-in-confidence.
"We will need public debate about such targeted funding, about reducing unnecessary health expenditure elsewhere, and about possibly increasing taxation," Associate Professor Haines said.
For the full editorial visit nps.org.au/australianprescriber.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 04 Oct 16
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 04 Oct 16
