In October 2023 we shared the exciting news that CADTH recommended that tebentafusp (Kimmtrak) be covered to treat adults with uveal melanoma whose cancer is unresectable or metastatic and who have tested positive for the HLA-A*02:01 gene.
Unfortunately, at this time, we also shared that the Institut national d’excellence en santé et services sociaux (INESSS), the government drug approval agency in Quebec, had refused to cover Kimmtrak.
However, as of December 13th 2023, we are thrilled pleased to share that their this decision has changed, and Kimmtrak is now listed as an exception medication status on the Liste des médicaments des établissements de la Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma in (HLA)-A*02:01-positive adult patients.
The criterion for treatment is:
- as monotherapy, for the treatment non-resectable or metastatic uveal melanoma in persons who are:
- positive for the (HLA)-A*02:01 leukocyte antigen; and
- have an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1.
- The maximum duration of each authorization is 4 months.
- When making requests for continuation of treatment, the doctor must provide proof of a beneficial clinical effect in the absence of disease progression.
This is a milestone moment for uveal patients within in Quebec, who now have a new and essential treatment option for their cancer. For so long, uveal melanoma patients have been left without alternative treatments and facing a dire diagnosis. This recommendation will bring hope to these patients. Thank you to all the participants in our April 2022 survey, which helped immensely in this approval process and victory for Quebec patients.
For more information on Kimmtrak, please visit: https://melanomacanada.ca/diagnosis-and-treatment/rare-melanomas/kimmtrak-tebentafusp/
