Affordable access to life extending drug for people with incurable breast cancer.

People with breast cancer that has spread to the brain will save more than $4500 a month when Tucatinib is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in the coming weeks.  

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) welcomes today’s decision by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to recommend tucatinib (Tukysa) for listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), in combination with trastuzumab and capecitabine. 

This recommendation marks a major breakthrough for Australians living with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, particularly those with brain metastases, who have been waiting years for affordable access to this treatment. 

Tucatinib provides an effective option after progression on multiple HER2-directed therapies. Until now, Australians have faced impossible financial barriers, with an expected private cost of more than $4,500 per cycle. 

“This drug is literally extending my life. Having it funded brings enormous financial relief to me and my family. I’m incredibly grateful this treatment for metastatic breast cancer has been recommended for PBS funding. If the results from tucatinib continue to be favourable for me, it will allow me to go back to work and continue to be with my family.” Larissa King BCNA Consumer 

BCNA Director Policy, Advocacy and Support Services, Vicki Durston, said today’s outcome brings hope and relief to patients and their families. “We consistently hear from people about the significant financial and emotional burden of accessing unfunded treatments. This decision means they will finally have equitable access to a therapy that can extend life, help manage brain metastases, and give families more time together.”  

BCNA will continue to work with industry and government to ensure tucatinib is listed on the PBS as soon as possible. 

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