Resources for newly funded immune checkpoint inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer

Immune checkpoint inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer

From 1 April 2023, Pharmac funded two new treatments for non-small cell lung cancer. We widened access to pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as a first-line treatment and newly funded atezolizumab (Tecentriq) as a second line treatment.

Resources

We asked the experts to develop resources to support healthcare professionals and people being treated with these medicines. 

Resource for health care professionals

He Ako Hiringa have developed a comprehensive guide to what to look for with lung cancer through to important side effects to watch out for.

He Ako Hiringa - Immune checkpoint inhibitors: Primary care considerations(external link)

Resource for people being treated 

Healthify has developed a plain language guide for what people need to know about taking an immune checkpoint inhibitor for non-small cell lung cancer. They also discuss pembrolizumab and atezolizumab in greater detail, so you know what to expect.

Healthify - Immune checkpoint inhibitor topics(external link)

Who to contact

If you have any questions about the funding of these medicines, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

More information

Pharmac's decision to fund two new treatments for people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Media release: Pharmac funds two new treatments for lung cancer