Enhertu for people living with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer
We have some amazing news to share with our network today, following an announcement this morning from the Australian Government. People living with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer will, from 1 September 2024, have access to the life-prolonging drug Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. This could transform treatment for around 1,700 people each year. The announcement also removes the financial burden of treatment as the cost – $10,000 to $15,000 every 3 weeks – will now be just $31.60 ($7.70 concession). We have advocated strongly for Enhertu to be subsidised and are extremely grateful for the input we have had from members with metastatic breast cancer. Thank you to everyone who has helped make today’s announcement possible. That includes BCNA member Sarah Lee, one of the many champions whose voice helped get Enhertu listed on the PBS. By sharing her story so publicly, she is demonstrating the importance of increased access to this life-extending treatment. You can read our announcement on the website and we hope to see some good media coverage in the days ahead. If you have questions about Enhertu, including if it is a treatment you may be eligible for, we encourage you to speak to your treating team.263Views4likes7CommentsPharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) - Enhertu for HER2-low Metastatic Breast Cancer
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended the drug Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) for people with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer (MBC) to be subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). We now call on the Australian Government to work with the pharmaceutical company to list Enhertu on the PBS as quickly as possible, to save people thousands of dollars. BCNA also urges AstraZeneca to reduce the cost of its Patient Access Program for Enhertu whilst we await PBS listing, to ensure as many people as possible can access this life-prolonging dug. Sarah (pictured), who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2017 at the age of 41, has spent over $200,000 on Enhertu privately until she recently became eligible for the patient access program. “[Enhertu means that] my children will have a mum who loves them unconditionally – for longer. My husband will have a wife – the love of his life – for longer.” If you have any questions about Enhertu we encourage you to speak to your treating team. Read further details via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/media-releases/enhertu-recommended-for-pbs-subsidy-but-it-is-not-time-to-celebrate/