Skip to navigation Skip to content

Breast cancer Programs in Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) 012-18051106



This document outlines details of PBS-subsidised lapatinib, pertuzumab, trastuzumab, trastuzumab deruxtecan and trastuzumab emtansine for patients with breast cancer.

Breast cancer and listing dates

Breast cancer is a disease where some breast cells grow out of control and form a lump or a tumour that can spread to other parts of the body. It is PBS-listed as early human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer (EBC), metastatic (Stage IV) HER2 positive breast cancer (metBC), often referred to as ‘late stage breast cancer’, and unresectable and/or metastatic HER2-low BC.

Listing dates:

HER2-positive EBC:

  • trastuzumab - 1 October 2006
  • trastuzumab emtansine - 1 April 2020

HER2-positive metBC:

  • lapatinib - 1 May 2008
  • pertuzumab - 1 July 2015
  • trastuzumab - 1 July 2015
  • trastuzumab emtansine - 1 July 2015
  • trastuzumab deruxtecan - 1 November 2023

HER2-low BC: trastuzumab deruxtecan - 1 September 2024.

See Written Authority Required Drugs, for more details.

Enquiries

Transfer enquiries about prescription arrangements to PBS Complex Drugs Programs and choose the option relevant to the condition treated.

The Resources page contains:

  • application forms
  • contact details
  • restriction and item codes
  • the PBS schedule
  • Services Australia website link

Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy (EFC) changes in Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

Online Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Authorities System (OPA System)

Process telephone Authority approval application

Processing and National Demand Allocation (PaNDA)

Processing Complex Authority Required Listings

Processing Written Authority requests

Written Authority Required Drugs