Australians battling prostate cancer that has spread past the prostate will soon benefit from subsidised medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
From 1 June 2023, Australians with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) will have access to apalutamide (Erlyand®) through the PBS.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. By the time people reach 85 years old, as many as 1 in 6 males are diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Erlyand is a non-chemotherapy treatment option and the first of its kind to be listed on the PBS for mHSPC.
mHSPC is an advanced stage of the cancer that has spread to other parts of the body but is still responsive to hormone therapy treatments that lower testosterone.
Until now, patients have only had access to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and chemotherapy for this advanced form of prostate cancer.
This listing is expected to benefit around 3,000 people each year. Without subsidy, it would cost patients more than $40,000 per year of treatment.
The PBS listing of this medicine means that eligible patients will pay only a maximum of $30 per script, or just $7.30 with a concession card.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.
“The listing of Eryland will be life changing for the estimated 3,000 Australians battling prostate cancer each year.
“Without the listing it would cost patients more than $40,000 per year for treatment.”
