Brazil incorporates three high-tech lung cancer drugs into SUS

The Brazilian Ministry of Health has announced the incorporation of three high-technology medications for lung cancer treatment into the Unified Health System (SUS). The new drugs include the oral targeted therapies brigatinib and gefitinib, which act on specific genetic mutations, and the immunotherapy drug durvalumab, intended for stage III cases not eligible for surgery.

These treatments will be fully funded by the Federal Government through the Oncology Pharmaceutical Assistance (AF-Onco) program, with gradual delivery expected to begin in October. The initial rollout is estimated to benefit approximately 1,900 patients. The AF-Onco initiative aims to offer a total of 23 high-cost oncology medications, expanding access to specialized treatments by 35%.

To support this expansion, the Ministry of Health has finalized the regulations for the AF-Onco component. This regulatory framework establishes new standards for the management, acquisition, and distribution of oncology drugs across the country. The structure is designed to ensure equitable access and efficiency by coordinating efforts between federal, state, and municipal governments, aligning with the National Cancer Prevention and Control Policy.