Forum Discussion

Kristi's avatar
Kristi
Member
5 months ago

Perjeta cost

Hello army of knowledge. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last week and I will commence chemo next week, so processing and decision making is happening quicker than I can keep up with right now. I have looked for this answer but can not find it so I'm hoping someone can help. Perjeta has been recommended as 1 of 4 in my treatment and I was advised the cost is 6k. Today, I was sent an article from BCNA that stated perjeta was now on PBS so I'm seeking the answer is Perjeta covered under PBS or is it an extra cost

 

Please help my brain rest. x

2 Replies

  • Daina_BCNA's avatar
    Daina_BCNA
    Community Manager
    5 months ago

    Hi Kristi​ ,

    It was lovely to chat earlier and I hope it helped a little to 'rest your brain' - as mentioned, Perjeta (Pertuzumab) is only on the PBS for stage 4 (metastatic breast cancer) at this stage BUT it has been recommended for PBS subsidy for early breast cancer, however there is no confirmed listing date - you can follow how it is tracking here: www.pbs.gov.au/medicinestatus

    If you wanted more information about targeted therapies such as Perjeta you can read more here: www.bcna.org.au/targeted-therapies/her2-targeted-therapy-drugs/ and definitely check back in with your treating team to discuss the patient access program for Perjeta.

    I hope it helps guide your next steps.

    Keep in touch and all the best for treatment. 

  • Tri's avatar
    Tri
    Member
    5 months ago

    HiKristi​ 

    I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. According to the Australian government website Perjeta is listed on the PBS 

    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/amt,123851000036103/perjeta

    If you have a treating oncologist they would be your confirmation point. It must be fairly recent as it wasn’t on the PBS when I was treated in 2023 (my insurer subsidised it though).

    If you’re HER 2 Positive you might find the BCNA Triple Positive Breast Cancer private group has some helpful threads. 
    Group: Triple Positive Breast Cancer (TPBC) | BCNA Online Network

    And if you’re having Perjeta as one of four you might also want to ask your surgeon about having a port (port-a-Cath) in your arm or chest to save your veins during long treatment. 

    Another resource I found helpful (although I found it well down the track…!) is a resource and decision making tool published by Breast Cancer Trials (with input from BCNA). The most useful thing is that it sets out the different pathways for different breast cancer types, and subtypes. I had no idea when I was diagnosed about the various breast cancer types. It took me a little while to understand why my treatment for Triple Positive Breast Cancer was so different to some of the people I knew who had a different type (hormone positive only). 

    https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/breast-cancer-resources/neoadjuvant-patient-decision-aid/?srsltid=AfmBOor_M6CU56XZZvcV_naxHaiRYCjrXeg6BAuv9bAQOdoYA8oWHBrm

    Anyhow, good on you for asking this amazing network of people because you’ve got plenty going on. Sending lots of positive energy your way,