Insight for Sunday 14 February 2016
Manufacturer's illustration of how the new melanoma drug, Keytruda, stops cancer cells hiding from the immune system Photo: Supplied
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Strugging to Stay Alive with Melanoma
8:12 AM.Karen Brown investigates how good the new-generation cancer drugs, such the melanoma treatment Keytruda, really are and if NZ should fund them. Read more Audio
New immunotherapy drugs are the hot topic in cancer internationally.
They stimulate the body's own immune system to fight disease, providing a possible cure for some patients.
With the highest rates in the world of the deadly skin cancer melanoma, and no effective funded treatment for advanced disease, patients here are demanding action over the drug, Keytruda.
But the price is eye-watering and Pharmac is questioning the effectiveness.
RNZ's health correspondent, Karen Brown, investigates how good these new-generation drugs are, and the debate over whether or not NZ should fund them.