The PBAC recommends expanding current PBS listing for pembrolizumab immunotherapy to allow neoadjuvant (before surgery) treatment of resectable stage IIIB-D melanoma.

It has just been announced the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) Australia has recommended to expand the current PBS listing for pembrolizumab immunotherapy to allow neoadjuvant (before surgery) treatment of resectable stage IIIB, stage IIIC or stage IIID malignant melanoma.

This is the first authority in the world to approve and fund neoadjuvant pembrolizumab in resectable stage IIIB-D melanoma. This request was instigated by Professors Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long on behalf of MIA, and is the first time academics have changed a listing for immunotherapy.

In clinical trials, neoadjuvant immunotherapy has shown to significantly reduce the risk of melanoma recurrence, which means improved survival rates. More clinical trials are critical to reach our goal of zero deaths from melanoma.
 
This advance is also expected to benefit other cancer patients.

In the video below Prof Georgina Long AO explained to 7NEWS THE LATEST about neoadjuvant immunotherapy, and the PBAC’s recommendation to expand the current PBS listing for pembrolizumab for use before surgery for patients with resectable stage IIIB-D melanoma.