LABOR WELCOMES CAR-T EXPANSION BUT QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT DELAY TACTICS

29 January 2020

Labor welcomes the Governments announcement to subsidise CAR-T cancer treatment for patients with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, Transformed Follicular Lymphoma and Primary Mediastinal B Cell Lymphoma.

CAR-T therapy modifies patients blood cells to fight and kill cancer cells, meaning those who have not responded to other therapies have a real chance of remission. The treatment costs more than $500,000 without subsidy.

For the last few weeks reports were circulating that CAR-T treatment therapy Kymriah had been approved by MSAC, with growing concerns about Government delay tactics.

In the meantime, those diagnosed have been desperately trying to access the Medical Treatment Overseas Program for a last chance at treatment.

Greg Hunt said he was proud of this therapy being available to Australians - but it has been so out of reach for sick adults.

Labor will be watching closely to ensure that this announcement results in immediate access for patients in dire need.

Greg Hunt should ensure Australians get access to this life saving treatment as soon as possible.