CURRIMUNDI couple Kim and Linda Stokes are being priced out of an asbestos cancer treatment that could extend their precious time together. While some patients coping with melanoma pay $6.10 for a treatment of immunotherapy drug Keytruda, Mr Stokes' bill is in the order of $11,300. The difference is the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme only covers Keytruda for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in adults, despite growing evidence it has had positive effects for people fighting mesothelioma. His oncologist advised him if he were to try Keytruda treatment, it would cost $11,500 every three weeks for an undetermined time period. That was a cost the Stokes' could not bear. Mr Stokes learned of the drug through a campaign by a Tasmanian mesothelioma patient to have it added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The woman, Louise Williams, has had a remarkable return to health since beginning Keytruda treatment earlier this year. Mr Stokes is supporting her push. "If it slows things up, other drugs and other things may become available." Member for Fisher Mal Brough said he had requested a briefing on Keytruda in relation to the scheme. "I do sympathise with Mr Stokes and other sufferers of mesothelioma as I have seen first-hand the impacts on those who are diagnosed," Mr Brough said.