Oncologist welcomes Pharmac announcement

Dr Ben Lawrence, Head of Department of Oncology at University of Auckland, researcher and medical oncologist, welcomes the announcement of funding for up to 26 new cancer treatments as part of a $604M funding boost for Pharmac.

Dr Lawrence says it is great news for patients, including those with gastrointestinal cancers who he looks after clinically.

“This announcement delivers the first new drug for people with colorectal cancer for 20 years,” he says.

“The really important thing about this announcement is it leaves Medsafe and Pharmac free to follow the right process.

“That includes Pharmac’s freedom to assess and prioritise cancer treatments, and negotiate the best deal with pharmaceutical companies.

“This takes time and there are people with cancer right now who need treatment.

“In cancer care, we can never get these drugs soon enough, but we understand how important it is for the right process to be followed.

“Waiting is hard for patients, and hard for us who look after them, but it’s the right thing to do.

“Maintaining the integrity of the process ensures the greatest long-term benefit for the most patients and for the community.”

Dr Lawrence says it is also positive the Minister of Health, Dr Shane Reti, has developed the plan in consultation with Te Aho o Te Kahu, the Cancer Control Agency and Manatū Hauora, the Ministry of Health, so he will be aware of the additional costs involved.

“Introducing new drugs requires additional support, such as, schedulers, receptionists, nurses, doctors, other clinical staff. All of this requires more funding than just the drug itself, and it sounds like this has been considered.”