Australia has become the first country in the world to register the cancer drug that former Melbourne lord mayor Ron Walker credits with saving his life.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has registered Keytruda for treatment of patients with advanced melanoma.

The drug, which has not been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, is expected to cost about $150,000 a year.

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre's Grant McArthur said more than 1000 Australians battling advanced melanoma each year could need the new drug.

For more details, go to: http://www.theage.com.au/national/health/ron-walkers-150000-cancer-drug-keytruda-approved-for-melanoma-patients-20150420-1more8.html?eid=email:nnn-13omn653-ret_newsl-membereng:nnn-04/11/2013-news_pm-dom-news-nnn-age-u&campaign_code=13INO007&et_bid=23206036&promote_channel=edmail&mbnr=NDk5MDMw