UPDATE: Crizotinib now approved on PBS for ROS1 mutation in Lung Cancer!

Dr Hawson Cancer treatment, Genomic Testing, Lung cancer, Targeted therapies, TKI February 27, 2019April 22, 2019genomic testing, Lung cancer, targeted therapies

As of 1st January 2019, the Australian Government has approved the use of Crizotinib in non-small cell lung cancer with a ROS1 mutation.

“The drug may stop or slow the growth of Stage IIIB (locally advanced) or Stage IV (metastatic) non-small cell lung cancer.

Without the PBS subsidy the drug would cost over $140,000 per patient, per year.

Patients with this rare form of lung cancer will now pay a maximum of $40.30 per script or just $6.50 per script for concessional patients, including pensioners.”

I am registered as a Medical Oncologist, Clinical Haematologist and Palliative Care Physician, and have over 40 years medical experience including as Director of Oncology, Haematology and Palliative Care at large public hospitals in Brisbane, Redcliffe and the Sunshine Coast, as well as in private practice. In 2008 I was awarded Eminent Specialist by Queensland Health and have been an Associate Professor with the University of Queensland since 1993. I have treated a broad range of cancers, including of the breast, bowel, lung, pancreas, prostate and liver. I have contributed to research trials on the most effective cancer treatments, and helped train many cancer specialists. I am particularly interested in mind body wellness and offer medical hypnosis for cancer-related symptoms such as pain and nausea and hot flushes in chemotherapy-induced menopause.