When the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) meets in March, everolimus (Afinitor), a mTOR inhibitor is being resubmitted for the treatment of metastatic or unresectable well differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine (pNET) cancer.
Everolimus suppressed/slowed tumour growth and reduced the risk of cancer progression for 11 months (median) compared with 4 months on placebo (more than double). Improvement in progression free survival whilst taking everolimus was seen in all patient groups.
This is significant clinical result, and our Australian NET Specialists need to be able to prescribe and treat our pNET patients with everolimus to ensure that they are getting the best possible care. However, without PBS listing this drug will cost our patients thousands of dollars per month to access it. Therefore it is imperative that we let the Committee know that we need everolimus listed.
The PBAC is seeking consumer submissions for this listing and the Unicorn Foundation strongly encourages our all our NET patients to complete the online form and help us get this drug listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, allowing current and future pNET patients equitable access to this potent drug.
For guidance in completing the submission please download the PBAC consumer notes.
