Pharmac expands access to funded cancer medicines for adolescents and young adults

More young people with cancers that commonly occur in childhood will soon have access to funded cancer medicines, following a decision by Pharmac to update Rule 8.1(b) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule. 

Rule 8.1(b) gives children with cancer, treated in a paediatric oncology service, funded access to any medicine used to treat their cancer. 

“From 14 October, this access will be extended to adolescents and young adults with paediatric-origin cancers who meet the eligibility criteria,” says Pharmac's Chief Medical Officer, Dr David Hughes. 

A paediatric-origin cancer is one of a defined group of cancers that typically arise in childhood and are commonly treated using paediatric-based treatment protocols.  Some adolescents and young adults with these cancers receive the same or very similar treatment as children. However, access to medicines depends on where they receive care. 

“This change will mean eligible adolescents and young adults with paediatric-origin cancers can access funded medicines regardless of whether they receive care in a paediatric or adult setting,” Dr Hughes says. 

This decision follows earlier reviews of rule 8.1(b) and consultations with clinicians and the families of children and adolescent cancer patients. 

“We heard clearly from clinicians and the whānau of child and adolescent cancer patients that Rule 8.1(b) has a real impact on treatment and health outcomes.” 

Following the review and confirmation that Rule 8.1(b) would remain, Pharmac committed to strengthening the rule, including exploring options to access to adolescents and young adults. 

“The review found that adolescents and young adults with paediatric-origin cancers may have different access to medicines depending on if they are treated in paediatric or adult settings.”