Perjeta for early stage HER2+
Hi there, I'm 35 and recently started neoadjuvant chemotherapy for early stage HER2+ breast cancer (spread to lymph nodes). My oncologist has mentioned that there is an additional drug called Perjeta that can be taken with Herceptin, however it is not on the PBS for early stage cancer and therefore would have to be self funded. I'm keen to hear of people's experiences with using Perjeta in this way: - why you chose to have it or not have it - how much it ended up costing - whether private health insurance funded any of it (particularly Bupa) Thanks in advance!
Perjeta access as second line treatment for HER2+ MBC - suggestions please
I was diagnosed with MBC in Nov 2011 (first diagnosis: mets to liver, bones, lung & brain), and have been feeling very well for years on Herceptin. However, this month, there has been new growth in the breast & supraclavicular lymph nodes - so there is some cancer that has become resistant to Herceptin. I would like to begin Perjeta (pertuzumab), but this is currently only financed on the PBS as a first line treatment. I'm ineligible as I've already had a HER2 targeted therapy... even though Perjeta wasn't available back when I was diagnosed (insert frustrated eye roll)!!! Has anyone in a similar situation had success in getting subsidised access to Perjeta and would like to share how please? (To pay privately, I'd need to pay $6269 for the first dose, then $3197 every three weeks after that, which is not sustainable.) Appreciate any suggestions or stories of successful access for those of us with HER2+ MBC diagnosis prior to Perjeta coming on the market.