Melanoma concerns
May 15, 2012
MELANOMA Patients Australia
(MPA) has expressed its
disappointment at the PBAC’s
decision not to recommend Yervoy
(ipilimumab) for listing on the
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Yervoy was developed for melanoma
patients in advanced stages for which
all other treatments have failed.
It is designed to stimulate the
immune system so that it can fight
the disease to help prolong the
patient’s life.
According to MPA the cost for an
Australian patient seeking treatment
with Yervoy for advanced melanoma
is approximately $120,000.
“Most patients will not be able to
afford this in the final stages of
their battle with melanoma,” said
Will Kerkhof, CEO of MPA.
“Without government
subsidisation, the burden of funding
the treatment will mostly be paid
by the patient’s family at an already
difficult time,” Kerkhof added.
For more details on PBAC
recommendations, see
www.health.gov.au.
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