Ken Chapman was diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in March 2023 after some routine blood tests for high blood pressure showed elevated markers for liver function. His GP referred him for an ultrasound scan where a shadow was seen and a later MRI confirmed liver cancer.  

Three weeks later surgery to remove the tumor by liver resection was completed. The surgery initially looked successful, but at the 6 month scan it was found that a new tumour had developed. Ken was put forward for a liver transplant. Unfortunately, when undergoing assessment for a transplant, it was found that the tumour had progressed towards arteries and a transplant was no longer feasible.  

Ken was advised the best treatment for his cancer was the combination of Atezolizumab with Bevacizumab which is not publicly funded in New Zealand, although it is considered standard of care for patients like Ken in Australia, the US and UK among other countries.   

To access this immunotherapy combination, Ken has utilised his health insurance which has covered four of the ten rounds he has undergone so far. The rest is self-funded.  Every three weeks to access the treatment, Ken flies from his home in New Plymouth to Auckland and back, in one day, to save on accommodation costs.   

“I’d love my wife to come with me, but we reduce the cost by me travelling alone and booking the cheapest fare possible. Air New Zealand on occasion have helped with reducing the airfare for me. For a few days before each flight, I’m full of anxiety due to possible weather delays or flight cancellations which would prevent me from getting to my appointment – it's really stressful.”  

Ken is responding well to the treatment with minimal side effects and plans to continue with it as long as he can. He is still able to travel and has a great quality of life. Something he is really grateful for.   

“The results have been astounding… the tumour has reduced and receeded from the arteries. It is allowing me to be a candidate for radiotherapy so we can zap what remains of the tumour.”  

He says he feels he is one of the ‘lucky ones’ who can find the money to self-fund this treatment that is clearly effective, but says he knows this is not the case for everyone.    

“I was really sad, thinking about the people who can’t afford the drugs, they do not have an option to possibly extend their life.

“The whole scenario feels unethical, inequitable, and very sad in particular for those who do not have savings or KiwiSaver they can use to try and extend their life. Those people who can’t travel or access the drugs because of cost are likely to be the statistics of a shorter life span.”  

Ken wants to see these drugs funded as soon as possible for patients with HCC. “They are effective for an aggressive cancer which has few options. This needs to be available to all, not just those who are ‘lucky’ enough to have the means to self-fund. Even if you have the saving, it’s still a financial burden. 

I am pleased to see Pharmac’s latest news regarding treatments and will be looking forward to the announcement of more options for HCC patients."