PBS Additions for Cancer and Epilepsy Bring New Hope to Patients

$120,000 per year. For children over two years old with symptomatic, inoperable benign nerve tumours associated with neurofbromatosis type 1, a rare genetic disorder, Koselugo (selumetinib) has been listed for the frst time. This addition is expected to beneft around 170 children, whose families would otherwise face treatment costs of approximately $146,000 per year.

Onpattro (patisiran), used to treat hereditary transthyretin-mediated (ATTR) amyloidosis, has also been listed on the PBS for the frst time. This rare condition’s treatment will now be affordable for around 55 patients each year, who would otherwise pay an astounding $647,500 annually.

Additionally, the PBS listing for Vitrakvi (larotrectinib) has been expanded to include the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer or soft tissue sarcoma solid tumours that have a specifc gene fusion known as neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase.

These new PBS listings mark a signifcant step forward in providing affordable, life-saving treatments to Australians suffering from severe health conditions, offering renewed hope and fnancial relief to thousands of patients and their families.

Coronary heart disease was the leading cause of death in Australia in 2022, contributing to nearly 40,000 fatalities, according to a new report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The condition was involved in 20% of all deaths, totalling 38,273 cases, but the report also highlighted that multiple causes played a role in four out of every fve deaths.

“Understanding what Australians die from is complex, and the answer can vary depending on how we assess the conditions involved,” said AIHW spokesperson Michelle Gourley.

While coronary heart disease led the list, dementia followed closely, contributing to 18.3% of deaths. Other signifcant contributors included high blood pressure (12.5%), cerebrovascular diseases (11.5%), and diabetes (11.4%).

The report also identifed the most common “direct” causes of death—the factors that ultimately ended someone’s life—including lower respiratory infections (8%), cardiac/respiratory arrest (7%), and sepsis (6%).

The AIHW report examined all factors listed on death certifcates, not just the underlying cause, providing a more comprehensive understanding of mortality in Australia. “Traditionally, statistics about how people die are based primarily on the initiating or ‘underlying’ cause of death, but death certifcates also contain other information that can be useful in understanding why a death occurred,” Gourley explained.

For example, a death certifcate might list coronary heart disease as the underlying cause of death, but it could also mention conditions like acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), hypertension, diabetes, alcohol use disorders, COVID-19, and other factors that contributed to the death.

Gourley emphasized that this detailed analysis could inform healthcare strategies aimed at improving Australians’ quality of life. “Using different ways of looking at causes of

Australia’s 2024 Winter Flu Season Lasts Longer, Peaking Later Than Expected

Australia’s 2024 winter fu season lasted longer and peaked later than last year, with new data from the National Notifable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS) revealing over 316,000 respiratory illness cases nationwide during June and July. This contrasts with 2023, when the fu season peaked in May with 220,000 cases and steadily declined.

Dr. Anju Aggarwal, Deputy Chair of the Australian Royal College of General Practitioners, attributes the prolonged season to a mix of respiratory illnesses, including infuenza, whooping cough, RSV, and COVID-19, which have been collectively termed ‘fu-monia.’

“It starts with one illness, compromises your immune system, and then others take over,” says Dr. Aggarwal. “People get a little better, then worse again.”

Dr. Aggarwal has seen a rise in more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, particularly among children aged 5 to 15, this season. She also notes that COVID-19 cases peaked later this year, contributing to the extended fu season.

Vaccine fatigue post-pandemic may be playing a role, with fewer people, especially children, receiving fu vaccines. Data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance shows a 12.2% decrease in infuenza vaccinations nationwide compared to last year.

For those experiencing severe symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain, Dr. Aggarwal advises seeking medical advice. However, for mild symptoms, she suggests symptom-based treatments, staying hydrated, and taking preventive measures like handwashing and mask-wearing. death can enhance our understanding of the roles played by different diseases and conditions in a person’s health and in their death,” she said. “This can lead to a better awareness of what health conditions have the biggest impact on the community and can aid health services and decision-makers in developing strategies and interventions to reduce the impact of diseases and promote better health.”

Since July, respiratory illness cases have signifcantly dropped across Australia, with just 2,330 cases recorded in August, indicating a likely end to the extended fu season.