Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) is frustrated and confused by decisions made public late on Friday by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to decline and further delay pan-tumour access to two potentially life-saving cancer therapies.
“We are disappointed and frustrated. We’ve been advocating for pan-tumour reform for eight years,” Rare Cancers Australia CEO Christine Cockburn stated.
“Two pan-tumour submissions were finally reviewed in 2023 – yet two years on, we still don’t have broader, equitable access to cancer therapies. Patients are still stuck in a ‘broken, lotto-like’ system that helps some and leaves others behind.
“At this point, we are left scratching our heads as to how the Government and the PBAC intend to deliver the best medicines to Australians with rare cancers. It is unclear if the door has been shut on one proposed model for genomic-based assessment; and what of the frustrating deferral of another? Can we remain optimistic that the deferral will result in access, and if so, when?
“We are left with too many questions, and not enough answers. Above all, we need to put the patients first. These are heightened times. Despite frustration, we all must remain focused on the task at hand.
“We know all parties want equity for rare and remain hopeful that a solution is close. Patients can’t wait – swift action and access are the only possible moves from here,” Ms Cockburn concludes.
RCA is calling for immediate action to provide clarity on where we go from here with pan-tumour applications and a solution that delivers faster, fairer, and more equitable access to cancer medicines. It’s time to end Australia’s cancer lottery.
ENDS