Posted by Michael Wonder on 26 Mar 2017
Rare cancer drug added to PBS
25 March 2017 - A drug used to treat a rare form of cancer now widely available through the national pharmaceutical benefits scheme will act as a lifesaver.
Brentuximab vedotin, sold as Adcetris, was one of several medicines added to the PBS by the federal government on Saturday.
It is used to treat a rare subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma often affecting young people.
Prior to listing, it could cost patients tens of thousands of dollars for treatment at about $16,000 a cycle, Lymphoma Australia CEO Sharon Winton said.
