THE recent inclusion of the drug Abraxane as part of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be a breakthrough for regional pancreatic cancer sufferers.
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From November 1 the script will cost a concessional patient just $6.
Used for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, Abraxane was until now only available to patients at an average cost of $1300 per script.
Western Local Health District medical oncologist Dr Peter Fox said the subsidy would improve survival from pancreatic cancer.
"Patients in rural areas will now have access to the latest therapies," he said.
Abraxane is being added to gemcitabine, which has helped significantly improve survival prospects for sufferers.
Now both drugs are on the PBS, patients only pay for the standard script cost for both the gemcitabine and Abraxane.
Gemcitabine was the chemotherapy drug previously used to treat pancreatic cancer which had an average survival of about 6.6 months.
By adding Abraxane average survival was increased by a further 2.1 months.
Dr Fox said the introduction of Abraxane to the PBS would help to close the gap between metropolitan and rural pancreatic cancer patients.
"There is a large gap in cancer survival in the bush compared with metropolitan areas," he said.
"Although the funding of these new medications will assist in closing the gap for pancreatic cancer, poor cancer survival in general remains a large problem in rural areas."
Sam Thorp Research Communications Officer from Cancer Council NSW agreed and said this would enable the superior drug to have a wider reach.
"Those in regional areas have a less positive outcome, so making the drug more affordable will enable it to reach more people in more areas," he said.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark?Coulton said listing Abraxane would be beneficial to a great number of Australians.
"The Australian government has committed over $92 million to over four years to subsidise Abraxane, which will improve the lives of around 1500 Australians and their families," he said.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommended the listing of Abraxane to the PBS in March.
Mr Coulton said this had been "one of the fastest living approvals for a high cost medicine in recent years."
