A world-first cancer treatment, discovered in Melbourne, has been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

It means thousands of Australians with blood cancer will now have access to the pills, which have been slashed by thousands of dollars.

Patrick Foley has been fighting an incurable blood cancer for more than 30 years.

Cancer treatment pill added to the PBS slashes prices by thousands
A world-first cancer treatment, discovered in Melbourne, has been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). (9News)

But doctors initially gave the Melbourne man only six months to live.

After battling the disease for decades, it’s finally at bay for the 68-year-old thanks to a world-first treatment discovered by researchers in Melbourne.

Foley was one of the first to access it as part of a clinical trial.

“It’s like playing a card game, where you think you’ve got a losing hand and you’re handed a couple of cards and then all of a sudden, you’ve got a winning hand,” Foley told 9News.

Cancer treatment pill added to the PBS slashes prices by thousands
Patrick Foley has been fighting an incurable blood cancer for more than 30 years but it’s finally at bay for the 68-year-old thanks to a world-first treatment (9News)

Two drugs, Imbruvica and Venetoclax – used individually to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma – are now being used together.

They work to block proteins and help kill the cancer cells with two tablets taken daily for 15 months.

There’s no need for chemotherapy, meaning less side effects and once in remission, patients go drug-free.

Cancer treatment pill added to the PBS slashes prices by thousands
Two drugs, Imbruvica and Venetoclax – used individually to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma – are now being used together. (9News)

“I think it’s a huge breakthrough for our patients,” Dr Con Tam, Head of Lymphoma Services, Alfred Hospital.

“That means the cancer is out of mind and patients can get back to their normal lives.”

Now the treatment is added to the PBS, the price of the pill has been slashed from $12,600 a month to just $7.70 for concession card holders and $31.60 for general patients.

Cancer treatment pill added to the PBS slashes prices by thousands
They work to block proteins and help kill the cancer cells with two tablets taken daily for 15 months. (9News)

Health Minister Mark Butler called the treatment “remarkable” and hopes it will benefit hundreds of Australians.

“Taking this tablet treatment is just a world away from having to undergo chemo treatment or radiation therapy,” Butler told 9News.

“This is a remarkable new treatment that will change the lives of as many as 900 patients with lymphoma every year.”

You May Also Like

Tributes flow for world-class motocross star after competition crash

Queensland man Joel Evans was seriously injured in a crash at Gillman…

Rubio: 'No Leader Is Working Harder to Prevent Wars or End Them'. He's Right.

🇺🇸 @SecRubio on President Trump’s desire to bring peace: “Of all…

Exposed – the Trumpet of Patriots candidate who has bombarded millions of Aussies with text messages – as it backfires badly

Disgruntled Aussies are bombarding the phone of Trumpet of Patriots candidate Harold…

Footy world in mourning as cult hero AFL star Peter Bosustow dies aged 67 after a long health battle

Peter Bosustow has died following cancer battle Carlton cult hero was an…