A groundbreaking cancer treatment developed in Melbourne has been incorporated into the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), granting access to thousands of Australians suffering from blood cancer. The treatment, which combines two drugs, Imbruvica and Venetoclax, is designed to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma effectively. Patients, like Patrick Foley, who has battled an incurable blood cancer for over 30 years, have found new hope thanks to this innovative therapy. Initially given a mere six months to live, Foley’s condition is now manageable.
This dual-drug regimen involves taking two tablets daily for 15 months and eliminates the need for chemotherapy, resulting in fewer side effects. Once in remission, patients can live drug-free, restoring their quality of life. With its addition to the PBS, the monthly cost of the treatment has dramatically dropped from $12,600 to just $7.70 for concession card holders, or $31.60 for general patients.
Health Minister Mark Butler has hailed this development as “remarkable,” emphasising the significant impact it will have on the lives of around 900 lymphoma patients annually. This treatment marks a significant shift away from traditional chemotherapy, promising a brighter future for those affected by blood cancer.