BREAST Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has welcomed a decision to recommend a crucial drug to treat early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) for the Federal Government subsidy.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) announced on Fri that Keytruda (pembrolizumab) will be recommended for subsidy on the PBS for early-stage TNBC.
Keytruda is a type of immunotherapy called an immune checkpoint inhibitor.
The medicine blocks proteins that stop the immune system from attacking the cancer cells, reducing the risk of the cancer coming back.
BCNA stated that Keytruda is one of the first immunotherapies that is shown to be effective for early-stage TNBC.
When combined with chemotherapy following surgery, it can significantly reduce the risk of cancer recurrence when compared to chemotherapy alone.
Around, 15% of breast cancer diagnoses are triple negative.
In Australia, that equates to approximately 3,000 new cases each year, the network reported.
BCNA Director Policy, Advocacy and Support Services, Vicki Durston said, "PBAC's decision to also recommend the medicine, Keytruda, for high-risk early-stage breast cancer is good news".
"Triple-negative breast cancer is typically more aggressive, has fewer treatment options, and disproportionately affects younger women," Durston explained.
"We know that as many as 40% of those with triple-negative breast cancer will have a recurrence.
"New treatments like Keytruda that reduce this risk are vital for improving outcomes for those who have one of the rarer forms of breast cancer," Durston added.
BCNA Consumer Representative Dr Na'ama Carlin was recommended Keytruda as a treatment regime last year but at a substantial personal expense.
"Being diagnosed with cancer during my pregnancy, I would have done anything to help my chances of survival," said Carlin.
"I would not have been able to afford Keytruda without crowdfunding.
"We know that Keytruda can increase the survival rates of triple-negative breast cancer patients.
"We need to ensure that every person can afford to access this lifesaving and life-extending medication," Carlin concluded.
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