Approximately 500 people per year in Australia are diagnosed with Hodgkin’s, making it a rare form of cancer and accounts for 10% of all lymphoma cases.

Hodgkin’s can occur at any age but it is most common in adolescents and young adults. Over a third of all cases diagnosed are between the ages of 15 and 30 and around 25 young people aged 0–14 are diagnosed with Hodgkin’s in Australia each year. It occurs more frequently in males than in females.

Often referred to as the "good cancer", 85% of all those diagnosed will be cured with first line treatment. However, for the 15% of those for whom this initial treatment fails, they are faced with a series of gruelling treatment regimes including autologous stem cell transplant and possibly an allogenic stem cell/bone marrow transplant.

Brentuximab Vedotin has been used for some time outside of Australia and is giving hope to relapsed and refractory Hodgkin's Lymphoma patients who have failed several treatments including the autologous and allogenic stem cell/bone marrow transplants. A study recently published in The Blood Journal and conducted in the US, has demonstrated that approximately 47% of those treated with Brentuximab who achieved complete remissions, remain progression-free after being followed for a median of 53 months.

Unfortunately Brentuximab Vedotin is not listed on Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for use with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, leaving those who need it the most to try to fund the approximately $21,500 per dose (as listed on the PBS website) themselves. It is unacceptable that cancer patients who need this drug to survive, are missing out on treatment due to excessive cost. Recently I read of a Doctor who lost two patients who were eligible for Brentuximab Vedotin but could not afford to pay for the treatment. 

Without this drug being listed on the PBS, patients can - and do - die. The same doctor who lost patients said therapies such as this "shouldn't only be accessible to those who can afford the heinous price tag". When countless drugs are currently listed on the PBS to treat people with preventable health issues, it is unconscionable that those who are suffering from Hodgkins are denied treatment purely because of cost.

Every life is valuable and we believe that every Australian has a right to access affordable healthcare, which is why Brentuximab Vedotin must be placed on the PBS.

We would like the PBAC to support the placement of Brentuximab Vedotin on the PBS when they meet in March. 

Please note: I am Naomi Brugger, Co-founder of My Name is Chris and my husband Chris, has been fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma for 7 years and is facing his 4th battle. He is currently undergoing treatment with Brentuximab Vedotin (with thanks to amazing friends who are fundraising) and while it might be too late for him, it is important to us that it be placed on the PBS to help others in the same situation. To us, every life is precious and we cannot stand by and allow those who have a chance to fight, to be penalised because this treatment, for some, is currently unaffordable. Visit our website at http://www.mynameischris.com.au/