An Australian man is struggling to pay for the treatments that could save his life. In addition to battling mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer, the 59 year-old is now battling with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to get coverage for Keytruda, a drug that could help extend his life expectancy. Currently, the drug is not covered for his type of cancer and would cost him thousands of dollars.
The man was an employee of the Alcoa of Australia aluminum plant in his late teens. His job as a boilermaker apprentice required him to wear asbestos gloves and welding jackets to protect him from the heat of the molten aluminum. He left the job as a young man, but earlier this year, he began experiencing chest pain, which led to the discovery of a tumor. In April, he was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Keytruda Treatments Not Covered, Despite Promising Results
The patient is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments and heard about a drug called Keytruda through a petition to have it added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Though the drug has shown positive results for mesothelioma patients, it is only covered under the scheme for patients suffering from unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Ironically, the patient had a melanoma removed over ten years ago but now that he needs Keytruda to save his life, he no longer meets the qualifications. According to his oncologist, it would cost him over $11,000 every three weeks in order to proceed with the Keytruda treatment.
With an average life expectancy of less than a year after their diagnosis, mesothelioma patients need every treatment option available to them in order to increase their chances of survival. There is currently no cure for the deadly disease, which is caused by exposure to asbestos. If you or a loved one is suffering from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease, an experienced asbestos lawyer can help determine who is at fault for your asbestos exposure and get you the compensation in which you are entitled.
Philadelphia Asbestos Lawyers at Shein Law Help Asbestos Exposure Victims Get Compensation and Restore Their Peace of Mind
Philadelphia asbestos lawyers at Shein Law have decades of experience helping asbestos exposure victims and their families get justice. Our knowledgeable, professional team will thoroughly review the facts of your case and prepare an aggressive legal strategy to hold those responsible for your asbestos exposure accountable. With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us today at 1-877-SHEIN-LAW (743-4652) or contact us online to review your case.