Approval of drug PD-1 a breakthrough for melanoma sufferers

Source: Hearld Sun, Melbourne, April 2015

IT is the wonderful news thousands of people have been waiting for.
A potentially lifesaving cancer PD-1 drug has finally been given the green light for use by Australian patients suffering melanoma.

It is the so-called wonder drug credited with saving the life of Melbourne businessman Ron Walker and which was tragically denied to the late Nick Auden.

As revealed in today’s Herald Sun, the Therapeutic Drugs Administration has authorised the Merck Sharp & Dohme PD-1 drug, known as Keytruda. It will be available immediately.

Skin cancer patients facing an advanced or terminal diagnosis are likely to be at the front of the line to receive Keytruda.

Australia is the first country in the world to adopt the drug as a publicly available treatment outside of trial programs.

The drug’s approval has come after a campaign by the Herald Sun, leading physicians and Mr Walker to fast-track the assessment process.

Last year, about 14,000 Australians were estimated to have been diagnosed with melanoma, with most sufferers male. It is the fourth- most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and it accounts for one in 10 of all new cancers. Slip, slop, slap has made inroads into prevention and awareness but we all need to do more.

An almost miracle response in the form of an effective treatment is a huge leap in that direction.

Mr Walker, who lobbied Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Cabinet directly on the drug, is a passionate advocate. Sadly, for Nick Auden, the good news has come too late after he was denied access in the US. Today’s news can also reflect his legacy.

In order for patients to affordably access the drug, the Federal Government’s advisory committee needs to recommend it be taxpayer funded, with a prompt and positive government response