PHARMAC Subsidy Means Cancer Treatment Convenience

Media release                                                                                     
17 June, 2007

PHARMAC decision brings more convenient cancer treatment

An estimated 450 people per year with colorectal cancer will have access to more convenient treatment from July 1 following a decision by PHARMAC. 

Colorectal cancer or bowel cancer is the second most common cancer for both men and women in New Zealand, with approximately 2300 new cases and 1200 deaths from the disease each year.

PHARMAC is to subsidise capecitabine, a tablet form of chemotherapy treatment, for use after surgery.  Capecitabine is a substitute for another chemotherapy treatment that has to be administered by infusion in hospital.

PHARMAC Medical Director Dr Peter Moodie says it means more people being treated for colorectal cancer will take tablets at home instead of going to hospital to receive multiple infusions over a prolonged period of time. Some people have already been receiving this treatment and the funding decision will mean it is more widely and consistently used.

Dr Moodie says having treatment in tablet form is much more convenient for patients. At the moment, people being treated for colorectal cancer may have to visit the hospital up to 30 times over a six-month period to receive their chemotherapy.

"Fewer people will have to take time off or travel long distances to receive their treatment," he says. "This is particularly convenient for those people living in rural areas, or in towns without major hospitals."

He says the decision will benefit people with stage three colorectal cancers, who will be able to get their prescriptions from some community pharmacies.

Dr Moodie says the decision will cost at least $1.7 million a year, but there will also be gains because it will save treatment time in hospitals.

"This is not only much better for patients but frees up precious resources in hospitals. The reduction in the number of patients needing infusions for colorectal cancer will free up space and time for hospitals to deliver chemotherapy to other patients."

Dr Moodie says PHARMAC expects there to be an increase in the overall number of people receiving treatment for colorectal cancer, as the convenience is likely to increase the uptake.

ENDS

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