Two steps forward, one step back – news on access to CDKs in second line treatment
Hello everyone,
BCNA has an update on access to CDKs as
second line treatment. Pfizer have this week advised BCNA about a new capped access
program for the CDK inhibitor palbociclib (lbrance) which will be available
from October 1, 2018.
This means you still have to pay for around 8
months of treatment (at a cost of around $40000) but after that time it will be
free.
We understand that this is still a huge
cost but it is an important step forward because people will at least know how
much they will have to find should they want to proceed with this line of
treatment.
BCNA is continuing to work for our members
in this space and we’re very pleased to be able to advise that we have been
able to negotiate with Pfizer that anyone who can show that they have already
paid $40000 (for either first or second line treatment) can immediately move
across to the capped program and no longer have to pay.
For further information, go to our website.
Please help us share the news to anyone you know who may currently be
paying for Palbociclib.
Comments
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Thankyou Marinne
Wonderful to know that some access progress has been achieved for longer term met patients.
All the best to everyone who are able to now afford and start
Bright in hope1 -
Thanks @Marianne_BCNA, I can understand your frustration, yes its a step albeit a very small step,I still think, as I am sure you must all that $40.000 is a significant amount of money, certainly something I could not afford, however, its a progression of sorts, perhaps in time, this will improve, thank you to all at bcna for their untiring efforts in trying to improve the lives of all women with breast cancer, early or metastatic.
wendy554 -
This is at least a step in the right direction. Can you please clarify what the restrictions on second line treatment are? I have had chemo, and am currently on a parp inhibitor. Would I be eligible for this access program if the parp inhibitor stops working and I want to try Ibrance? Thank you.0
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Its a start. Keep up the great work.0
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Should this be on announcements.0
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Hi @scientist, it is best to discuss this with your oncologist.
@primek, it is on announcements.
Cheers!0 -
I am very excited! My oncologist has just phoned me to tell me that I have been given access to Palbociclib for a one off payment of $50. I was prepared to use my super to pay the $40,000.5
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Really well thank you @arpie. As mentioned above, with the capped access program, from 1st October, you have to pay the $40,000 no matter what. There was a small window of opportunity to enrol for the Palbociclib and AI. My oncologist just made it. I am now just waiting for my pharmacist to obtain the Palbociclib.
So, now I just have to wait and see if I have any side effects. I am also taking Letrozole which I tolerate well.
2 -
Wow! Your Onc was REALLY on the ball and looking afte you well. That is AWESOME!!
take me care and let us know how you go once you start. xxx0 -
ESMO 2018
Commenting on the findings for ESMO, Dr Carmen Criscitiello, European Institute of Oncology Milan, Italy, said: “These data were much awaited, as the clinical benefit obtained with CDK 4/6 inhibitors was incontestable, but there was the hot question whether the PFS benefit translates into OS benefit. This randomised Phase III trial shows for the first time an improvement in OS with a CDK4/6 inhibitor in the metastatic setting for ER+/HER2- breast cancer.”
https://www.esmo.org/Press-Office/Press-Releases/PALOMA3-breast-cancer-palbociclib-fulvestrant-Cristofanilli
The data is slowly coming in to show what most of us expected clinically - overall improved survival with CDK4/6, numbers stronger in bone only disease.0
