Expansion of PBS Listing for Pembrolizumab

From 1 September 2026, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing for pembrolizumab was significantly expanded with the addition of a multi-cancer listing. The new listing provides subsidised access for patients with immunotherapy sensitive advanced or metastatic cancer.

Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy that acts as an inhibitor of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1). Tumour cells can exploit the PD-1 pathway to evade immune detection. By blocking this pathway, pembrolizumab can enhance anti-tumour immune responses.

Pembrolizumab is administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes. Dosing varies according to indication, with treatment typically given every three or six weeks. Immune-mediated adverse reactions are common and can affect almost any organ system. Potential immune-mediated reactions include pneumonitis, colitis, nephritis, hepatitis, and various endocrinopathies. Infusion-related reactions may also occur and can include rigors, chills, wheezing, pruritus, flushing, rash, hypotension, and fever. These reactions are typically mild to moderate and premedication may be considered in selected patients. Severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions are rare but require permanent discontinuation.

This recent PBS update allows pembrolizumab to be subsidised based on tumour characteristics rather than the cancer’s tissue of origin, potentially improving access for patients with a broader range of advanced cancers.