As reported by 10 News First, as of 1 May 2025 a new ‘game changer’ medication has been listed on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to treat an aggressive form of lung cancer most common in non-smokers.
The medication, Rybrevant (amivantamab), is now available through the PBS for Australians with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) caused by changes (Exon-20 insertion alterations) in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene.
EGFR is a protein that is produced by the EGFR gene and helps cells to grow. When Exon 20 insertions occur in the EGFR gene, it can cause cells to grow uncontrollably, leading to cancer.
Associate Professor Surein Arulananda, Deputy Director of Medical Oncology and Thoracic Oncology Trials Lead at Monash Health, explained that until now, these patients have had limited treatment options available and none that target their cancer specifically.
‘Make no mistake, this is an aggressive form of lung cancer that comes with a short life expectancy,’ said A/Prof Arulananda.
‘Caused by a genetic alteration rather than prolonged exposure to toxic substances, patients with this form of lung cancer are often younger than we see with other lung cancers. Many have never smoked.’
The government subsidy will allow advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients with EGFR Exon 20 insertion gene alterations to receive treatment with Rybrevant either as initial treatment in combination with chemotherapy, or as a subsequent treatment following chemotherapy.
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