Clinicians and patients welcome first PBS-listing for rare, advanced kidney cancer

Pharma News: Ipsen’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for patients with advanced or metastatic kidney cancer. Until now, those living with rare and advanced non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) had no PBS-reimbursed treatment options.

Previously, once-daily oral Cabometyx (cabozantinib) was only available to Australian patients with stage IV renal cell carcinoma (RCC) but was restricted to only those with clear cell subtypes. Since 2018, Ipsen has provided compassionate access to the therapy for nccRCC patients, but this new PBS listing ensures broader, sustainable access to the treatment across the country.

Dr Lewis Au, Medical Oncologist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, highlighted the significance of this development.

“This represents a significant step forward in improving health outcomes for everyone affected by these rare cancers, ensuring that more patients can receive the care they need and deserve,” stated Dr Au.

Kidney cancer diagnoses affect around 4,500 Australians each year, with renal cell carcinoma making up roughly 90% of these cases. Non-clear cell RCC accounts for approximately 20% of all RCC cases, while the clear cell subtype represents around 80%.

Courtney Dodds, who is living with non-clear cell RCC, expressed relief at the PBS listing.

“Living with a rare disease is extremely difficult for a number of reasons, but access to treatment is one of the biggest hurdles we face regularly. In some cases, there are no available treatments, and even when they do exist, they can be very costly. The news that this treatment will now be made available via the PBS is very welcome and will be a relief to many people living with non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma,” he said.

The announcement has also been praised by Christine Cockburn, CEO of Rare Cancers Australia.

“The listing of Cabometyx on the PBS is encouraging for our rare cancer community, who too often don’t receive the required level of support, or access to the same treatment options, as those with more common cancers,” said Cockburn, emphasising the impact of the PBS listing on approximately 800 Australians living with stage IV non-clear cell RCC.

Simon Higgins, Director of Market Access & Public Affairs at Ipsen in Australia and New Zealand, echoed these sentiments, noting the milestone this represents for the company and the patients they serve.

“We acknowledge the efforts of all stakeholders that have contributed to this outcome within the current constraints of our health system,” said Higgins.

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