It’s over twelve months since my stage IV metastatic bladder cancer diagnosis. My latest scan results show no active cancer in my abdomen or bones. I’m genuinely grateful for the support of my extended team and family in achieving these excellent results.
Luckily, bladder cancer is a cancer that responds well to immunotherapy. I participated in a clinical trial for avelumab sponsored by Pfizer. As of October 1 2022, the success of this trial has led the Australian Government to move avelumab onto the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Avelumab is expanded as a maintenance treatment for locally advanced (Stage III) or metastatic (Stage IV) urothelial carcinoma. Urothelial carcinoma accounts for at least 80 per cent of all bladder cancers. Only 50 per cent of patients live more than five years after diagnosis. The expanded PBS listing is expected to benefit over 400 patients who would otherwise pay more than $106,000 per course of treatment without subsidised access to avelumab.
