People with breast cancer that has spread to the brain will save more than $4500 a month when Tucatinib is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in the coming weeks.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) welcomes today\u2019s decision by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to recommend tucatinib (Tukysa) for listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), in combination with trastuzumab and capecitabine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This recommendation marks\u00a0a major breakthrough\u00a0for Australians living with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer,\u00a0particularly those with brain metastases,\u00a0who have been waiting years for affordable access to this treatment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Tucatinib\u00a0provides\u00a0an\u00a0effective option after progression on multiple HER2-directed therapies.\u00a0Until now, Australians have faced impossible financial barriers, with an expected private cost of more than $4,500 per cycle.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis drug is\u00a0literally extending\u00a0my life. Having it funded brings enormous financial relief to me and my family.\u00a0I’m\u00a0incredibly\u00a0grateful\u00a0this treatment for metastatic breast cancer has been recommended for\u00a0PBS funding.\u00a0If the results from\u00a0tucatinib\u00a0continue to be\u00a0favourable\u00a0for me, it will allow me to go back to work and continue to be with my family.\u201d\u00a0Larissa King BCNA Consumer\u00a0<\/p>\n
BCNA Director Policy, Advocacy and Support Services, Vicki Durston, said today\u2019s outcome brings hope and relief to patients and their families. \u201cWe consistently hear from people about the significant financial and emotional burden of accessing unfunded treatments. This decision means they will finally have\u00a0equitable\u00a0access to a therapy that can extend life, help manage brain metastases, and give families more time together.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
BCNA\u00a0will continue to work with industry and government to ensure\u00a0tucatinib is\u00a0listed on the PBS as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n