Provinces are fifth and sixth in Canada to reimburse new metastatic prostate cancer treatment
Toronto, ON (May 16, 2012) – Men living with metastatic prostate cancer in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador now have access to a new treatment option, as these provinces have made the decision to include ZYTIGA® (abiraterone acetate) on their public formularies for the treatment of metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Patients, caregivers and health care professionals are encouraged to learn more about the specific eligibility criteria for ZYTIGA® reimbursement in these provinces through the following links: http://www.gov.ns.ca/health/Pharmacare/info_pro/pharmacare-news.asp
and http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/nlpdp/criteria.pdf.
In July 2011, ZYTIGA® was approved by Health Canada with prednisone for the treatment of men with metastatic prostate cancer (castration-resistant prostate cancer) who have received prior chemotherapy containing docetaxel.1 It is the first oral treatment that inhibits androgen production at all three sources – the testes, adrenal glands and in the tumour itself. Results of the pivotal Phase 3 study found that when ZYTIGA® is taken with prednisone, there is a 35 per cent reduction in the risk of death and a 3.9 month difference in median survival compared to placebo plus prednisone.
“I have seen firsthand how abiraterone has changed people’s lives; not only the men living with metastatic prostate cancer, but their partners and families as well,” says Dr. Lori Wood, Medical Oncologist, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. “This treatment can dramatically improve the quality of life of these men with very little, if any, side effects, and also helps them live longer.”
Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador join four other provinces that have already made the decision to include ZYTIGA® on their public formularies: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec.
Dr. Kara Laing, President, Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists and Clinical Chief, Cancer Care Program, Eastern Health in St. John’s feels the same way about the Newfoundland and Labrador government’s decision.
“So many of our patients have benefited from abiraterone and we have seen significant improvements in their health. As a physician, it’s exciting to now have this option available for our patients in Newfoundland and Labrador. I’m very pleased the government has decided to reimburse ZYTIGA®.”
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