Thousands face uncertainty as breast cancer treatment pulled
The government says it is looking at alternative breast cancer treatments. Photo: Getty
Australian women with breast cancer are set to lose access to the hormone therapy Zoladex 3.6mg from November after AstraZeneca confirmed it will withdraw the drug from both the PBS and private market, citing commercial reasons.
About 7000 patients use the treatment each year, with more than 94,000 prescriptions filled in the past 18 months. The monthly implant suppresses oestrogen to slow hormone-positive breast cancer.
For women like Megan Fisher, living with stage-four metastatic breast cancer, the medication might not be life-saving, but it is life-changing because it gives her more time with loved ones.
“I’m living with metastatic breast cancer, so that’s not curable… [but] the hope is that I am able to manage it for as long as we can,” she said.
Patients pay about $25 per dose under the PBS, with government subsidies covering the rest.
Advocates say the decision to withdraw the drug adds to stress for patients. A temporary access program will be offered after November and the Federal Government says it is working on alternatives, but cannot compel supply.
–with Brianna Parkins
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