Australians diagnosed with a type of metastatic breast cancer will now have access to a life prolonging treatment under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 September 2024.
Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu®) will be expanded on the PBS to provide a new treatment option for patients who have been diagnosed with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low unresectable or metastatic breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in Australia and is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, with around 58 Australians diagnosed every day.
Sadly, 1 in 7 Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Last year, more than 3,000 Australians died from breast cancer, or 9 people every day.
Unresectable or metastatic breast cancer is an advanced stage of cancer that cannot be removed surgically or has spread to other parts of the body. HER2-low breast cancer is a newly defined type of breast cancer that expresses low levels of the HER2 protein but is still responsive to targeted therapies such as Enhertu.
Enhertu works by directly targeting the HER2 proteins expressed by this type of cancer and kills the cancer cells.
Around 1,700 Australians are expected to benefit from this listing each year, who without subsidy, might pay more than $160,000 for a course of treatment.
This PBS listing will mean that eligible patients will pay a maximum of $31.60 per script or just $7.70 with a concession card.
Since July 2022, the Australian Government has approved extra funding for 235 new and amended listings on the PBS.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“Enhertu is a life changing breast cancer drug, and now the Albanese Government is making it cheaper and available for women with a type of metastatic breast cancer.
“This is a new treatment option for those living with metastatic breast cancer and I know how much this listing will mean for those fighting this insidious disease.
“This listing of Enhertu reaffirms our commitment to make medicines cheaper.
“We are giving patients and health practitioners new life changing, and often lifesaving, options for treatment at an affordable price.”
Quotes attributable to Assoc Professor Michelle White, Monash Health:
“While survival outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer have improved over the past 20 years, too many will still die prematurely due to the disease.
“The inclusion of Enhertu on the PBS is a very important step forward in the management of HER2 low metastatic breast cancer.
“This targeted treatment aims to stop the growth and progression of the disease and is often highly effective.
“Patients who meet the eligibility criteria now have another treatment option for their metastatic disease.”
Quotes attributable to Vicki Durston – Director Policy, Advocacy and Support Services Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA):
“Expanding access to Enhertu under the PBS is a significant milestone for Australians living with metastatic breast cancer.
“This life-prolonging treatment offers new hope to those with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer, who now have a targeted treatment that until now, was unaffordable for most people.”
Quotes attributable to Bronwyn Moline, breast cancer patient:
“Since I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, my aim has been to prepare to fight the cancer; physically, mentally and emotionally.
“I have noticed and been able to access advances in research and refinements to targeted treatments.
“I am grateful to be living in Australia where we have access to excellent healthcare and I am appreciative of the ongoing research into cancer treatments.”
