Innovative cancer treatment option ‘a great comfort’ for Sarah

Sarah Lane, diagnosed with melanoma shortly after the birth of her son, is one of approximately 160 patients who could benefit from an innovative cancer therapy, which the HSE has agreed to fund from today.

Nivolumab (Opdivo), was one of nine drugs caught up in a dispute over funding earlier in the year. The row was resolved after the HSE received clarity on funding from the Department of Health. The HSE had said it could not fund the drugs — to treat cancer, heart disease and depression — from its current budget.

However, state reimbursement of Opdivo will be in place from today in public hospitals for appropriate patients.