Insight (1995)

Cancer Breakthroughs (2014x12)

: 06, 2014

"The field has changed dramatically." - John Zalcberg, oncologist Navzad is the human face of a new scientific frontier in the fight against cancer. When Navzad's brain tumours continued to grow despite treatment, his doctor and family decided to send a tissue sample overseas for genetic testing. It was discovered that his tumours had a mutation common to some melanoma, so Navzad's doctors started treating the cancer with a melanoma drug. What happened next was amazing – Navzad's tumour shrunk from the size of a 50 cent coin to five cent coin in a matter of weeks and he was able to return to school and finish his HSC exams. From gene sequencing technology to immunotherapy, Insight explores the big game changers in understanding and treating cancer. And we ask there has been significant progress in treating some cancers but little to none with others, and whether the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is keeping up with the latest medical advancements.