Government announce access to capivasertib (Truqap): Another option for those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer

The recent announcement by the Australian Government to list capivasertib (Truqap) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is a significant advancement for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

This decision addresses an urgent need for effective treatments and provides another vital option for patients when their cancer has developed resistance to existing therapies. Access to capivasertib reduces disparities by offering equitable access to a treatment that previously cost over $98,000.

Our Advocacy Makes a Difference

As we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), this announcement reinforces our unwavering commitment to advocating for meaningful policy changes that enhance patient outcomes. Our sustained advocacy efforts have contributed to ensuring that Australians living with metastatic breast cancer can access the treatments they desperately need.

Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services, Vicki Durston, emphasised the broader implications:

"While we still do not have a clear understanding of how many people are living with metastatic breast cancer across Australia, we must continue our efforts to ensure timely access to treatments for those diagnosed. The Government's recent announcement that around 3,000 patients are expected to benefit from capivasertib (Truqap) is a step forward, but without comprehensive cancer registry data, we are left guessing about the true impact. Strengthening our data collection is essential to inform treatment decisions accurately and to address the needs of the population we serve, rather than relying only on clinical trial information."

BCNA Clinical Advisory Member and Nurse Practitioner in Breast Oncology,  Jenny Gilchrist said,

“Capivasertib doubles the time women with metastatic breast cancer can live without their disease progressing – this gives them valuable extension and importantly better quality of life. Access to this drug is a great step forward in the management of hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer."

This PBS listing demonstrates BCNA's effectiveness in advocating for policy changes that matter to our community. However, our work continues as we push for improved data collection systems that will better inform future treatment decisions and ensure no patient is left behind. We remain committed to advocating for equitable access to innovative treatments and supporting those living with metastatic breast cancer.