New Zealand Proposes Expanded Access to Cancer Treatments
Pharmac has proposed expanding access to melanoma treatments and funding two new therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Medical researchers also highlight that New Zealanders lack access to CAR T-cell therapy domestically.
Pharmac is proposing to expand access to two skin cancer medicines expected to be more effective in treating melanoma. The proposal would also fund two new therapies for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Nearly two in three people have a very strong response by the time their tumour is removed, with significant shrinkage or very little active disease remaining. Because of this strong early response, many people may not need further treatment after surgery. This can mean fewer ongoing infusions, and fewer hospital visits for people with melanoma, their families, and carers.
The proposal is estimated to save about 1000 infusion hours per year. New Zealand has the highest rate of melanoma globally. More than 7000 cancers are diagnosed every year, while about 300 people die every year.
The proposal to fund two new therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia was open for consultation until March 4. Two combination therapies would be funded from May this year: venetoclax with ibrutinib and venetoclax with obinutuzumab.
Separately, medical researchers say New Zealanders are missing out on a transformative cancer treatment called CAR T-cell therapy that has been proven to make a difference. Kiwis have to travel thousands of kilometres overseas to receive this treatment, which in and of itself is complex and costly. The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research is spearheading an awareness campaign about CAR T-cell therapy this month.