1830 – Genetic testing to identify homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene alterations in patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) to determine eligibility for treatment with PBS subsidised talazoparib

Change to an existing Medicare Benefits Schedule item for codependent application (MSAC and Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee).

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel testing is a laboratory method that checks many genes at the same time.
The test would usually use a sample of the tumour to check for changes in homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes.

In metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer, the cancer has spread beyond the prostate but still responds to treatment that lowers male hormones. About 25% to 30% of people with metastatic prostate cancer have harmful changes in genes involved in homologous recombination repair (HRR). HRR is a process cells use to repair damaged DNA. These genes include BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, PALB2 and others. Finding these gene changes may help doctors choose treatments for people with advanced prostate cancer.

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• Pre-PASC consultation deadline: Friday 6 November 2026 11:59 pm AEDT
• Pre-MSAC consultation deadline: To be confirmed

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This application will be considered at the following meetings:

• PASC meeting: 10 to 11 December 2026
• ESC meeting: To be confirmed
• MSAC meeting: To be confirmed

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