Breakthrough Breast Cancer Treatment To Transform Patient Care In Public Health System

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The Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, has announced a significant step forward in the modernisation of public oncology services with the introduction of an innovative treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer.This initiative forms part of a wider strategy aimed at further strengthening quality, accessibility and patient experience within the public healthcare system.Minister Abela explained that the new treatment, which combines two biological medicines -trastuzumab and pertuzumab (Phesgo) – offers a major advantage, as it is administered via a subcutaneous injection in just a few minutes rather than over several hours, as is the case with traditional therapies.He noted that this approach paves the way for treatment to be delivered at home, thereby reducing inconvenience for patients. It is estimated that around 85 patients will directly benefit from this treatment in its first year, supported by an investment amounting to several million euros.“This not only improves patient comfort, but also contributes to a more efficient use of healthcare resources,” Dr Abela emphasised.Minister Abela added that, following a structured process of evaluation and preparation, the treatment is now in its final phase before becoming available within the public service in the coming weeks. He stressed that this investment is intended for patients across various stages of the disease, from early diagnosis to more advanced cases and will be implemented in line with strict clinical governance protocols and scientific evidence.“This initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to introducing modern therapies that not only improve clinical outcomes, but also enhance the patient experience. At the same time, it forms part of a broader vision for a sustainable, efficient and patient-centred healthcare system. The goal remains clear: to provide high-quality care that is accessible, equitable and responsible for all,” Dr Abela concluded.Tag someone who needs to know•