Subsidised immunotherapy for non-melanoma skin cancer

Australians with a potentially life-threatening type of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) will for the first time have access to subsidised immunotherapy as it's now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

LIBTAYO^® (cemiplimab) is now PBS-funded for adults with metastatic or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (advanced CSCC) when curative surgery and curative radiation is not suitable.

CSCC is a type of NMSC that starts in the top layer of the skin where squamous cells are located. When advanced, it can grow quickly over several weeks or months, and if left untreated, it can spread and become difficult to treat.

More than 1,700 Australians - or up to four people a day - died from NMSC in 2020.

Known as an ‘immune checkpoint inhibitor’, LIBTAYO works by helping the immune system fight cancer. Until now, no subsidised treatment options have been available for Australians with advanced CSCC when curative surgery and radiation are not suitable. It is anticipated that about 1,000 Australians may be eligible for treatment each year.

Professor Danny Rischin, Medical Oncologist, Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, said: “Advanced CSCC can cause a great deal of distress due to severe pain, marked alteration of facial appearance, and impact on critical facial structures and function e.g., eyes, ears and nose.

“LIBTAYO is the first reimbursed treatment option available specifically for patients for whom curative surgery and radiation is not an option or not suitable. LIBTAYO provides an alternative to surgery that could cause severe disfigurement or dysfunction, or impact on critical functions e.g., removal of an eye.”

Liz Siminsky, General Manager Specialty Care, Sanofi Australia & New Zealand, said: “This PBS listing will be life changing for many Australians, as these patients have, up until now, had limited treatment options.

“We are pleased the Government has recognised the unmet need that LIBTAYO may fill in our community and are proud to continue our support for Australians impacted by this distressing and potentially life-threatening advanced non-melanoma skin cancer.”

Australian patients were an important part of LIBTAYO clinical trials. In one key global study, nearly 40% of patients enrolled were Australian with Australian cancer specialists playing a leading role.

Over the last 40 years, non-melanoma skin cancer cases have steadily increased. Today, the annual number of total NMSCs identified is greater than all other cancer types combined. Medicare data shows there were more than one million skin cancer treatments in 2020, and the number of cases will continue to rise in the coming years as our population ages.

Photo: Tomas Salas/Unsplash