The Gut Cancer Foundation welcomes the long-awaited announcement from Pharmac that New Zealand patients with advanced or metastatic unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, will finally gain access to publicly funded treatment with atezolizumab (Tecentriq) and bevacizumab (Vegzlma) from March 1st, 2025.
For years, liver cancer patients in New Zealand have faced limited treatment options, leaving them with significantly worse outcomes compared to those in other countries where these life-extending therapies have been funded for some time. The decision to fund these immunotherapy and targeted therapy drugs represents a long-overdue step forward in improving survival and quality of life for those diagnosed with this devastating disease.
“Today’s announcement is a significant step forward for liver cancer patients and their families, who have been waiting far too long for access to these treatments,” says Liam Willis, Executive Officer of the Gut Cancer Foundation. “Atezolizumab and bevacizumab has been the global standard of care for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma for several years, yet New Zealand patients have had to self-fund these life-saving therapies or miss out altogether. While we celebrate this milestone, we must also acknowledge that every delay in funding costs lives. To all those impacted, we acknowledge the significant and irrevocable toll this delay has taken on you and your loved ones.”
HCC is the fastest-growing cause of cancer-related death in New Zealand, with Māori and Pacific communities disproportionately affected. Approximately 420 people are diagnosed with liver cancer in New Zealand every year. HCC accounts for over 90% of all these diagnoses and around one third of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Until now, the lack of publicly funded, effective treatment options has left patients with few choices beyond palliative care.
The Gut Cancer Foundation has been working with clinical colleagues and patients to advocate for access to this vital treatment for many years, culminating in extensive submissions to both Pharmac’s procurement and consultations processes. “Whilst it is true we have been waiting a long time for this treatment, we are grateful to the Pharmac team for listening to and acting on our recent recommendations”, says Willis. “The fact the procurement and consultation processes for these treatments have been some of the quickest we have seen; reflects the message of urgency we have been communicating extensively. We are grateful for the collaborative approach taken by the Pharmac team during this process.
The Gut Cancer Foundation remains committed to advocating for equitable and timely access to world-class treatments for all New Zealanders affected by digestive cancers.
While today’s announcement marks a significant improvement for liver cancer patients, the Foundation urges Pharmac and the government to continue prioritising funding decisions that ensure no New Zealander is left behind in their fight against gut cancers.