The start of autumn has brought a new sense of hope for 2000 Australians with advanced melanoma.
From 1 March 2020, the Morrison Government is expanding subsidised access to breakthrough melanoma treatment options on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The current listing of Opdivo (nivlumab) is expanding to include adjuvant treatment of completely reacted stage IIIB, IIIC, IIID and stage IV malignant melanoma.
It is estimated more than 1500 patients might otherwise pay more than $100,000 per course of treatment without the PBS subsidy.
The listing of Opdivo as an adjuvant therapy will provide healthcare professionals and patients with an affordable treatment option to treat melanoma earlier, rather than watching and waiting for the cancer to possibly return.
The Government is also expanding the listing of Opdivo and Yervoy (nivolumab and ipilimumab) to allow use as a first-line therapy in the treatment of BRAF V600 mutant positive Stage III or Stage IV unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
Without the subsidy, it is estimated more than 600 patients might otherwise pay more than $100,000 per course of treatment.
These significant expansions will provide melanoma patients with a new breakthrough form of treatment, with less side effects and a greater chance of recovery.
Each of these listings has been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee.
