Man dying of cancer wins battle with ACC for palliative treatment funding

A man dying of cancer who was fighting for ACC to pay for his palliative treatment has won - and the case is expected to set a precedent.

The cancer drug has produced remarkable results which could help prolong the lives of others.

Cancer patient Jamie Cardow and his sister Helen Kerrigan finally have something to smile about - his tumours are shrinking due to treatment.

"It will increase my lifespan, so it's really good news," he said.

Cardow was diagnosed with mesothelioma in August. His medical oncologist Dr Laird Cameron told him he might not be alive for Christmas and prescribed a drug not usually used for his type of cancer.

"It's a combination of two drugs. One is called nivolumab and one is ipilimumab, they are both different types of immunotherapy," Dr Cameron said.

Three months later, a scan has revealed incredible results.

"His cancer is significantly smaller on a scan, the treatment is definitely working. I'm delighted, this is completely life-changing for Jamie and it's the best outcome we could've hoped for."

Cardow said the difference is dramatic.

"It's amazing - absolutely amazing," he said.

The cancer was caused by excess radiotherapy in 1988 when he was being treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Newshub first met Cardow last month when ACC had accepted his claim, but then stalled on paying for the $300,000-a-year immunotherapy.

"ACC have been trying to find ways to avoid making the payments for treatment," he told us. 

With no money left, Cardow was days away from stopping the life-changing drug.

"Once I'd known how effective it was, that would've been soul-destroying."

But ACC has now agreed to pay, saying it'll cover the costs of all his treatments from the date they started - for a year. Which he said is a huge relief.

"It's changed everything. I'm so happy that A, it's working and B, I can continue getting it."

His sister said when their lawyer rang with the good news she was overcome with emotion.

"I just had to put the phone down and have a cry. I was just so relieved - it's amazing," Kerrigan said.

ACC's chief clinical officer and head of health partnerships, Dr John Robson, said they recognise the devastating impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis and Cardow's claim has always been treated with a matter of urgency.

"After receiving external clinical guidance over the last fortnight, clinical evidence in support of his preferred treatment for mesothelioma has met ACC's legislative requirements."

He added that Pemetrexed/platin is the funded standard first-line treatment in New Zealand.

"However, there is increasing clinical evidence emerging in support of ipilimumab and nivolumab in first-line use, which we had not previously been aware of."

ACC said it expects treating clinicians to consider the options most suitable and appropriate for their patients, and that it'll continue to consider these situations urgently and on a case-by-case basis.

Its decision to fund Cardow's treatment is expected to be a game-changer.

"It does absolutely set a precedent as an effective treatment for my cancer," Cardow said.

"My hope would be that I have the option to give this treatment to patients who have the same situation or type of cancer that Jamie does," said Dr Cameron.

A feeling Cardow's sister shares.

"I just hope it makes it easier for the people who come next," Kerrigan said.

Easier to get their hands on a life-changing treatment.