Canberra Melanoma Forum

Melanoma Patients Australia Ltd

6 days ago

MPA advocates for equitable access to the best evidence-based treatment options for all Australian melanoma patients.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) will consider the following important melanoma drugs for listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) at their March 2019 meeting.

1. Nivolumab (Opdivo) for “adjuvant” treatment of patients who have had completely surgically resected Stage III or Stage IV melanoma.
This is the second time this drug is being considered by the PBAC for treatment in the adjuvant setting as it was not accepted at the July 2018 meeting.

2. Dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and Trametinib (Mekinist) for “adjuvant” treatment of resected Stage III melanoma in BRAF mutation positive patients.

Clinical trials have shown these drugs significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

MPA will make a submission on behalf of our members.

The PBAC also very much welcomes submissions from patients and others. We encourage all melanoma patients and those affected, to take this opportunity to provide their personal accounts and experiences detailing why these drugs should be considered for PBS listing.

Closing date is Wed 13 February 2019.
You can submit an online comment to the PBAC for both submissions via the link below:

*** For Nivolumab (Opdivo) please choose the FIRST option in the drop-down box.

Best Regards - Victoria Beedle CEO

www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/PBAC_online_submission_form. ... See MoreSee Less