PBS Listing Changes for Anzatax (paclitaxel) In Breast Cancer Treatment

The PBS listing for Anzantax (paclitaxel) has been expanded for use in all node-positive breast cancer patients, for use in combination with any anthracycline and cyclophosphamide. The listing has also expanded to the treatment of early HER-2 receptor positive cancers in combination with Herceptin (transtuzumab), reflecting the decision of the PBAC to reimburse Herceptin for this indication.

The PBS listing for the taxane class chemotherapy agent Anzatax (paclitaxel) in the treatment of breast cancer has been altered as of 1 October, 2006. The revised listing now includes all node positive patients, regardless of their oestrogen receptor status. It has also been expanded for use with any anthracycline agent, not only doxorubicin. The revised listing now reads:Authority Required: Adjuvent treatment of node-positive breast cancer administered sequentially to an anthracycline and cyclophosphamide.The other change to Anzatax’s PBS listing is the ability to treat patients with HER-2 positive early breast cancer with Anzatax as part of their chemotherapy regimen, in combination with Herceptin (transtuzumab). This is due to the decision of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee’s (PBAC) to reimburse Herceptin for the treatment of this condition. The new listing reads:Authority Required: Treatment of HER-2 positive early breast cancer in combination with transtuzumab.