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New Zealand has recently made a breakthrough in advanced cancer treatment by launching public funding for ERBITUX®, a targeted cancer treatment drug that throws a lifeline to around 380 Kiwi patients battling metastatic colorectal cancer. As of 1 November 2024, ERBITUX® is listed on the Pharmaceutical Scheme, and many patients can now access cutting-edge cancer care that has shown promising results in extending and improving lives.
A New Era for Bowel Cancer Treatment
There are over 3,000 cases of Kiwis diagnosed with bowel cancer annually in New Zealand, and it remains one of the country’s leading causes of cancer mortality.
The advanced cancer treatment ERBITUX®is produced by Merck Healthcare and takes a different approach from traditional therapies by targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is integral to cancer cell growth.
Josie Downey, Managing Director of Merck Healthcare in New Zealand, describes the development as “a turning point for bowel cancer patients in New Zealand,” underscoring the importance of targeted treatments for improved patient outcomes.
Increasing Access Through Targeted Treatment
Dr. Ben Lawrence, an Auckland-based oncologist, believes the funding relieves the financial burden of advanced bowel cancer treatment, giving patients access to a highly effective means of getting treated.
“This targeted therapy is a much-needed addition to the current options for mCRC patients, particularly for those with RAS wild-type cancer,” said Dr. Lawrence.
The ERBITUX® will be made available to patients identified through biomarker testing, which helps determine which individuals can benefit most from the drug’s precise action. This approach is an important part of modern cancer care – it picks the people who can benefit from the drug, and saves people who cannot benefit receiving it unnecessarily”, he said.
Advocacy Efforts and Clinical Support Shape Decision
The move to fund ERBITUX® follows sustained advocacy efforts from patient groups and healthcare providers. A spokesperson from Bowel Cancer NZ described the funding as “a hopeful advancement for families and patients,” highlighting the difference this type of therapy can make for those facing limited options.
Many patients and families can focus on care rather than costs with the treatment now covered under the public scheme, which will help them improve their quality of life and increase their chances for recovery.
Information for Patients Considering ERBITUX®
Eligible patients should consult their oncologists to evaluate treatment options. ERBITUX® can be used alongside chemotherapy or as a standalone therapy tailored to each patient’s cancer profile. The recent milestone in funding ERBITUX® reflects New Zealand’s commitment to more personalised and effective cancer care, with the hope that similar treatments will follow as research in oncology advances.
What This Means for Kiwi Business Leaders
The public funding of ERBITUX® is not just a medical leap forward; it also promises economic advantages for New Zealand’s businesses. Since most Kiwi employers provide company health insurance, the funding eases the reliance on private resources.
Colorectal cancer impacts many working-age individuals, with cases occurring as early as their 20s. The majority of cases, however, are diagnosed in people over 50. Access to this targeted therapy can drastically reduce the financial burden on patients and their families. Employers can help enhance employee welfare by being more supportive during tough times.